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With the snow-shoveling season seemingly here forever, the American Physical Therapy Association has some advice on how to preserve your back as you clean your sidewalk and driveway.
Many people develop backaches because they don’t loosen their muscles before they start shoveling, the association warns. A bit of exercise before going outside will save a lot of aches and pains.
Further, the association says, the key to shoveling snow is bending the knees instead of the back.
“Keep your back as straight as possible and do the lifting with your legs,” says the association’s Annette Iglarsh.
Lastly, don’t use a shovel that’s too short or too long. The best shovel is one that keeps your back straight while lifting.