Last updated on July 28th, 2022 at 02:04 pm

When snow finally arrives in your area, be prepared for lots of shoveling and sweeping. If you haven’t been very active this winter, this can lead to more than just a few aches and pains. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 11,500 adults and children visit the emergency room each year because of snow shoveling injuries. You can avoid such mishaps by taking a few precautions:

Choose the right tool. Try using a shovel with a smaller blade to avoid picking up too much snow and straining your body.

Watch your posture. Back pain is a common issue when shoveling. However, bending from your knees instead of your back, can help avoid overworking those muscles.

Stay hydrated. Although the weather outside might be frightful, drink plenty of water when shoveling to avoid dehydration just as you would when exercising. In fact, 15 minutes of shoveling can burn about 150 calories.

Take it easy. Although it might be tempting to quickly shovel your driveway, it’s important to take things slow to avoid putting sudden stress on your body. If you begin experiencing pain, listen to your body and take a break.

As part of your post-shoveling recovery, use Arnicare Gel for minor neck, back, shoulder or leg pain.* The gel has a cooling effect and offers relief for muscle pain, stiffness, swelling and even discoloration from bruises.* If you feel achy all over, you may want to try Arnicare in oral form.* Arnicare Arnica tablets can be used in combination with Arnicare Gel for added pain relief. Plus the quick-dissolving tablets will not make you drowsy and there are no known interactions with other medications.

For more information on the Arnicare line of pain relievers, visit Arnicare.com.

* These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

North Dakota State University. The Scoop on Snow Shoveling Safety – Publications. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/health-fitness/the-scoop-on-snow-shoveling-safety. Accessed February 9, 2017.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/ataglan.htm. Accessed February 9, 2017.

How to stay safe while shoveling snow. Local Weather from AccuWeather.com – Superior Accuracy™. https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/how-to-stay-safe-while-shoveling-snow/70000153. Accessed February 9, 2017.