Top Tips to Avoid Back Injuries This Winter

With proper preparation and mindful attention to the actions you take while shoveling, snow clearing doesn’t have to be a tedious or difficult winter task. Oleg Golovnev/Shutterstock

I threw out my back doing yardwork. While I was laid up for a few weeks, I’m OK now. I’m concerned I will reinjure my back shoveling snow this winter. How can I protect my back while shoveling?

MAYO CLINIC ANSWER: Winters in certain parts of the country can be long and snowy. While seemingly an innocuous task, snow shoveling can be a rigorous aerobic activity and one that significantly stresses the back. You should be mindful to avoid serious injuries when shoveling.