The recent snowfall has been noticeable at the naprapath clinic in Stockholm where Anders Dahlstrand works.
We've actually had quite a few people come in who have been hurt from shoveling.
Shoveling is very repetitive and monotonous and we move our bodies in ways we are not used to, so it is rarely good for your back.
But there are tricks and techniques to avoid injuries.
One tip is to try to hold the shovel as close to your body as possible. This will give you much better leverage and will put less strain on your back.
When temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, it is also a good idea to plan your shoveling.
You should take the opportunity to shovel while it's cold, because in sub-zero temperatures the snow is much lighter.
In addition to planning, it can also be a good idea to move around before going out.
Of course, it's a good idea to warm up. You can do some jumping jacks or similar before you start.
To avoid overload, it is also important to vary the movement.
Don't shovel in the same direction all the time, but try to turn your body and shovel in both directions to distribute the load on your back a little.
If the injury has already occurred and you already have back pain, it is good to move around despite the pain, for example by going for walks.
"Then you can contact your local naprapath for a consultation," Dahlstrand says.
