Happy Tuesday! Dr Kelly here. Is a back brace right for you?
Back in the Fall I wrote an article on Back brace and raking leaves. Now is a good time to do a refresher.
If that is the case, then the human frame is very important. When you are going to put your body under extreme stress, wearing a brace is very beneficial. I like to think of raking leaves or in the case of winter – SHOVELING SNOW!
While doing your normal routine, I do not recommend a back brace. When asking your body to perform a heavy load, giving it additional support is suggested. This keeps the body in the care of the human frame ideal! Preventing you from overextending yourself and causing injury. Shoveling is one of my least favorite forms of exercise. WHY??
First, people typically shovel one sided. Picture your hand placement. Do you rotate it as you go from one row to another?
Secondly, most people rush through the shoveling. We have a million things going on, shoveling is typically one of the last things you may want or have time to do. When you are rushing, you leave yourself open for injury. It is hard work. Your body may not be fit enough to handle the load of physical shoveling. Most importantly, finishing the job.
You may be in or out of shape, either way, you still need to remove the snow from the entire driveway. You may start to feel bad, but since there is still a quarter of the driveway left, you push through it. Pushing through it can lead you down a bad path.
Tips:
- Take your time.
- Stop for breaks.
- Rotate from side to side.
- Bend with your knees.
- Take smaller scoops of snow.
- If only half of the driveway gets done, that’s OK.
- Ask a neighbor with a snow blower to help.
- You can stretch before AND after shoveling!
- Wearing a back brace while shoveling can be the clue you need to be more aware of your body to reduce injury to your back. A back brace will distribute the load more evenly throughout the back.
These braces can only be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Text Back Brace to learn more about the back braces with offer at Tree of Life Wellness Center.
Yours in Healthy Naturally,
Dr. Kelly