• 40 Triangle Center,
    Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

  • 40 Triangle Center,
    Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

How To Shovel Snow- Without Cracking Your Back or Spine

Every winter we get excited for the first white, beautiful snowfall blanketing the neighborhood and creating a winter wonderland. Maybe you’re even sipping hot cocoa as the flakes fall and the kids are jumping for joy that school has been cancelled.

And, Then…

You remember you have to shovel that snow and suddenly your excitement dissipates. You cringe at the memories of being hunched over, your back in pain as you try to clear the driveway or the sidewalk. So let’s talk about what you can do to prevent pain or injury so that you can shovel that snow quickly and safely.

First- Buy the Right Shovel

Purchase a shovel that has an ergonomic design with a curved handle. This design helps you, the shoveler, to move as much snow as possible with less strain on the body as compared to a shovel with a straight handle. The curved handle prevents your back from bending and causing spinal stress. Make sure the blade is plastic- it weighs less than a metal one. Don’t buy the Schwartzenager size- consider buying a smaller shovel which will put less strain on the spine since you can’t lift as much snow. A lazier, yet highly effective option, is to buy a shovel made to simply push snow rather than lift it. Lastly, spray some silicon on the blade so the snow doesn’t stick to it.

The Warm-UP

Try to be the first one in the neighborhood ready to go- snow weighs less when it has just fallen, which means an easier job for you. Once you’ve gotten all your gear on, make sure to stretch out your muscles, particularly those in your neck and back, just as you would with regular exercise.. Remember, this isn’t a race, so pace yourself and continue to stretch while you are shoveling.

The Grip, and The Toss

Make sure your hands are far enough apart to create leverage to lift the snow.

Posture- Your mother telling you to stand up straight still applies even while shoveling.

As you shovel, keep your feet just shoulder width apart, and the shovel close to your body. Do not bend at the back- bend your knees. Your legs should be getting a great workout versus your spine feeling like it’s about to snap in half. Along with not bending your waist and straining your back, do not twist side to side. After you have scooped up the snow, walk to the area where you want to throw it instead of having your arms outstretched.

When you throw the snow, don’t do it over your shoulder. Throw it forward. Try not to attack other nearby shovelers, they may not appreciate snow being dumped on them.

Don’t attack the whole driveway in one scoop. Shovel the snow in smaller quantities. You’ll still get the job done.


Follow these tips in order to reduce the chance of injuring your back and spine while shoveling the snow. However, if something happens and you feel back pain, contact our office for a consultation!

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