A decent snow shovel should be lightweight and have a broad scoop. It should have a non-slip handle to reduce pressure and stress on your back. Take regular pauses, pick up smaller amounts of snow and bend your knees when shoveling. The latter of which guarantees that your back and spine don’t take the brunt of the pressure. So to help you better, here are the best snow shovel for bad backs.
Nothing makes you feel older than back pain, and shoveling pounds of snow makes your back hurt even more. But, much of the discomfort you feel is because you’re using the incorrect equipment. Typical shovels cannot sustain the wet load. They have straight, inflexible handles, small shovel heads that contribute to back strain.
What are the Best Snow Shovels for Bad Backs?
SUNKORTO HEAVY-DUTY ROLLING SNOW SHOVEL
It’s a task to get up early and shovel the snow off the drive before going to work. You’re cursing the white things falling from the sky because of the stress of the task. Someone has to do the work, though, and that someone is you.
As a result, you should use the most appropriate tool for the job. We are confident in naming the Sunkorto Snow Shovel the best snow shovel for bad backs.
This model features a 25-inch wide scoop at the front of the tool. It can clear snow up to 5-inches deep in a single pass. The shovel’s ergonomic design relieves tension on your knees, hips, and lower back. The upright action reduces fatigue and strain on the shoulders and upper body.
According to buyers, it can “shovel three times as much snow with three times less back strain.” It’s a fantastic winner for homeowners with medium to large driveways and sidewalks.
Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01
- [ERGONOMIC]: Design improves posture, reduces the need to bend
- [SHOVEL]: Made of a durable, impact-resistant blade
- [HANDLE]: The spring-assist handle acts as a fulcrum – changes mechanics of shoveling, reduces strain
- [EASY TO USE]: Gives lifting leverage to the lower hand to lift greater loads with ease
Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 has a spring-assist handle. This design reduces strain and suffering.
The shovel’s smaller spring-assisted handle gives the user leverage when lifting heavy snow. It allows them to equally distribute their weight rather than putting it all on one side of their body. The shovel also promotes a healthier posture because the user does not have to bend over as much.
This feature is popular among customers since it is a “huge back saver.” Customers who are “semi-old” are applauding the ergonomic and lightweight gadget. They call Snow Joe “a lifesaver for an arthritic senior with a sore back.”
True Temper SnoForce Poly
- 20-Inch poly combo blade
- Ergonomic aluminum handle helps you shovel the snow with less strain
- Multiple grips for hand placement options
- Footstep provides necessary leverage for heavier loads
True Temper SnoForce Poly makes it to the list of the best snow shovel options. This model is for you if you have a large driveway and need the best push-power snow shovel. It provides high-performance shoveling with minimal effort.
The shovel’s ergonomic handle allows you to push it through the biggest drifts with ease. It clears deep snow without putting strain on your back. This type is ideal for walkways, sidewalks, decks, patios, and other areas around the house.
This type has a smooth scooping movement and does not need any lifting. It’s the best option for senior citizens who don’t have the strength to move large snowdrifts.
One 60-year-old reviewer wrote that this shovel is a lifesaver! It would also be fantastic for “young bucks.”
How to Choose the Best Snow Shovel for Bad Backs?
If you go to a hardware shop and look at the shoveled area, you’ll see that there are a lot of choices to select from. So to help you, here are some things to consider when making your decision.
Types of Snow Shovels
There are two snow shovels: the classic manual form and the electric type resembles a snow shovel. Both versions have different applications and purposes. So you’ll need to determine which one is best for your yard.
- Push Snow Shovel – These are great for clearing areas such as your driveway. They quickly clear snow and scrape ice, letting you clear loads of snow in a matter of minutes. But, they aren’t the best for digging out large snowfalls around staircases.
- Standard Snow Shovel – Traditional snow shovels have a larger r head. You can use it to dig out more specialized areas of your yard, such as corners and staircases. We also recommend a strengthened tip on the shovel blade for better ice scraping.
Blade Material
To begin, where do you intend to use the shovel? A metal-bladed shovel is ideal for clearing concrete sidewalks and driveways. But it might damage a wooden porch or brick pavers.
A metal blade is better for ice-covered snow and heavy loads. They are sturdy and lasting.
But, it is not suitable for ice or wet, heavy snow.
You could use a combined product with a plastic blade and a metal wear strip to have the best of both worlds.
Consider your size and strength
Consider your size and strength. Shovels come in various scoop capacities. Using one too large for you will make shoveling far more complicated than it needs to be.
Select a Shovel with a Convenient Handle
It should also be easy to hold and operate the handle. To get a better idea of what works for you, try scooping in the shop.
Some have an ergonomic shovel grip. You may adjust it to the most comfortable position for your wrist and hand. Some people find D-shaped handles to be more manageable.
Another factor to consider is if the shovel has an extra handle to grab it with two hands. It reduces the danger of back or wrist strain while shoveling snow.
Handles are consist of various materials. And each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You must select what is most important to you.
Weight
When it comes to operator tiredness, the weight of the shovel makes a big difference. Shoveling and scraping your driveway and sidewalks could take up to 30 minutes. That’s a lot of work, especially when it’s freezing outside.
The weight of the equipment, mixed with inches of snow, can quickly dehydrate your muscles. As a result, keep to a lightweight tool, and everything will fall into place. Ergonomic design allows you to lift a greater weight with the shovel. It also would not strain your upper back.
How Can I Remove Snow Without Lifting?
Using the appropriate snow removal tools will help you save time and effort. Your choice can make an even bigger difference.
Snow Blowers
This first snow removal item may not surprise some readers. But it deserves to be on this list because it is effective. Snow blowers are ideal for clearing large driveways. They reduce both the amount of effort and the time it takes to complete the task. Electric or cordless snow blowers are also far easier to use and maintain.
Best of all, having one of them in your tool shed eliminates the need for you to be a snow removal specialist. We can do much work with a good snowblower.
Snow Blower Leaf Blower
Another winter piece of equipment that we can use is a leaf blower. Snow removal with a leaf blower can be an effective technique to clean a driveway or sidewalk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you shovel with a bad back?
Snow shoveling is like weight lifting. We can compare the cardio part to a treadmill workout in some situations. When shoveling deep snow, you should keep your back straight at all times. Lead with your hips, not your lower back, and point your chest forward. Bend your knees and lift with your leg muscles while keeping your back straight.
Why does my lower back hurt when I shovel snow?
Bending and twisting while carrying a load puts a lot of strain on the low back discs. The exertion of flinging the snow off the shovel puts our spine under a lot of pressure.
How do I help my back after shoveling snow?
Be patient. Giving muscles time to recover is a known and proper approach to muscle recovery. You should rest your body and be ready to return in a few days! If not, it’s time to seek medical advice.
Final Word
Shoveling snow is hard work, and it may be taxing on your back if you’re using a substandard blade. But, there is good news for anyone with a sidewalk, porch, or driveway to clear. Snow shovels have improved to reduce snow shovel-related injuries. They made it easier to maintain a solid ground game throughout the winter. True Temper and Sunkorto have produced a new generation of ergonomic snow shovels. These snow shovels are for easier lifting, removing the snow with ease.