Over many parts of the country, winter has settled in with snowfalls ranging in depth from inches to feet. That means thousands of Americans will grab shovels and start to dig out. But for those who don’t normally engage in strenuous exercise, shoveling snow is dangerously hard work.

“If your body isn’t prepared for shoveling snow, your chances of sustaining muscle pulls and strains will increase,” said Dr. Susan Wainwright, vice chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Or worse she added, as shoveling snow is no different than any physical activity that strains the heart.

Back injuries are common because people try to lift with their backs, twisting and throwing snow. According to Wainwright, the back is meant to stabilize and the lifting and work of shoveling to be done with the arms.

Additionally, men and women over 45 who aren’t used to strenuous activity run a risk of straining the heart and heart attack.

“The heart is a muscle like any other muscle in your body,” said Wainwright. “When it gets strained, it shuts down because it can’t handle the increased load. Older adults who aren’t that active tax their cardiovascular system when they start to shovel and this results in heart attacks. You have to remember that shoveling is hard work and you should take every precaution to not get injured or even worse.”

Health Tip: Shoveling Snow Can Lead to Injuries - University of Sciences in Philadephia