Shovel like you're pushing, not lifting

First snow is close here, and shoveling is a classic flare trigger. It's bending, lifting and twisting all at once, usually cold and in a rush. What tends to help: Warm up before you go out. A few minutes of walking around the house, some hip circles and a couple of gentle knee-to-chest pulls. Push the snow instead of lifting it. A wide pusher shovel does most of the work, and you only lift what you have to. When you do lift, take small loads. Bend your knees, keep the shovel close to your body, and turn your feet to face where the snow is going. Don't toss it over your shoulder. Switch hands every few scoops so one side isn't doing the whole driveway. Go out more than once in a big storm. Two light passes beat one heavy one. Stop when you feel the first hitch or leg zing, not three scoops later. Walk it off inside and come back if it settles. If pain shoots down the leg or comes with numbness or weakness, park the shovel and get it checked.