Doctor urges caution when clearing snow

The University of Cincinnati's Rani Nasser, MD, was featured in a Fox 19 report discussing ways to stay safe when shoveling snow after winter storms.

“As a neurosurgeon, we treat brain and spine injuries, and it’s really important to make sure that you prevent falls, especially on ice,” Nasser, a UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute neurosurgeon and associate professor in UC's College of Medicine, told Fox 19. “It’s important to use the right tools. Using a shovel, for example, can really help you from straining your back and that can really prevent a disc herniation, which is something we see a lot."

Nasser added that proper posture for shoveling includes bending at the hips and knees and is important to keep you free of injuries.

“We see herniated discs, compression fractures and acute nerve injury every winter from improper shoveling and improper posture,” Nasser said.

Read or watch the Fox 19 report.

Featured photo at top of a person shoveling snow. Photo/Willowpix/iStock.