Back Pain After Shoveling Snow? Here’s What Pittsburgh Homeowners Need to Know
After every big snowstorm in Pittsburgh, we see the same thing at the office the next day:
Tweaked backs.
Stiff necks.
Sore shoulders.
And a lot of people saying, “I think I overdid it shoveling…”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Snow shoveling is one of the most common causes of winter back injuries, especially if you’re not used to lifting, twisting, and working in the cold.
Why shoveling hurts your back so easily
Shoveling snow is basically the perfect storm for injury.
You’re:
Bent forward
Twisting repeatedly
Lifting heavy, wet snow
Moving quickly
Working in cold, tight muscles
That combination puts a lot of stress on your discs, low back muscles, and shoulders.
Even strong, active people can strain something fast.
The most common injuries we see
After storms like this week, we typically treat:
Low back strains and spasms
“Thrown out” backs or locked-up joints
Disc irritation or sciatica flare-ups
Neck and shoulder tension
Mid-back tightness from repetitive lifting
Sometimes it’s immediate pain.
Sometimes it shows up the next morning when you can barely get out of bed.
What you can do right now
If you’re feeling sore:
1. Keep moving gently – light walking is better than total rest
2. Use heat or contrast therapy to loosen tight muscles
3. Avoid heavy lifting for a day or two
4. Don’t “push through” sharp pain — that’s how small strains become bigger injuries
If something feels stuck, sharp, or isn’t improving after a day or two, it’s time to get it checked.
Don’t wait it out
A lot of people try to “tough it out” for weeks.
The problem is minor issues can turn into:
lingering pain
nerve irritation
missed workouts
lost sleep
or bigger setbacks
Getting treated early usually means faster recovery and fewer visits.
We’re here to help
At New Edge Spine & Sport, we combine chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and guided rehab to get you moving again quickly — not just mask the pain.
If this storm left you stiff or sore, we’re back in the office and happy to help.
👉 Submit a form on our website to request an appointment or call 412-386-8285
Stay safe, stay warm, and take care of that back.