Category Archives: Pain

Expert advice from The Brost Clinic – Wayzata’s award-winning chiropractors serving Minneapolis West Metro communities

Winter in Minnesota brings beautiful snow-covered landscapes, but it also brings one of the most common causes of back pain and injury we see at The Brost Clinic: snow shoveling. Each year, thousands of people throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul area visit chiropractors and emergency rooms with injuries sustained while clearing their driveways and sidewalks. The good news? Most of these injuries are preventable with proper technique and awareness.

The Hidden Dangers of Snow Shoveling

Snow shoveling might seem like a routine winter chore, but the statistics reveal a more serious picture. Research shows that approximately 11,500 people are treated in U.S. emergency departments annually for snow shoveling-related injuries and medical emergencies. Lower back injuries account for over 34% of all soft tissue injuries from shoveling, making it the most commonly affected body part.

Common Snow Shoveling Injuries

At The Brost Clinic, we frequently treat patients suffering from:

Lower Back Strain and Pain
The repetitive bending, lifting, and twisting motions involved in shoveling place enormous stress on the lumbar spine. Each shovelful can weigh 5-7 pounds, and during a single shoveling session, you might lift hundreds of pounds repeatedly. This cumulative load can cause muscle strains, ligament sprains, and spinal stress.

Herniated or Slipped Discs
When you lift heavy, wet snow while twisting your spine, the pressure on your intervertebral discs increases dramatically. This can cause the soft inner material of the disc to push through its outer layer, resulting in a herniated disc that puts pressure on nearby nerves.

Sciatica
The sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your legs, can become irritated or compressed during strenuous shoveling activities. This leads to radiating pain, numbness, or tingling sensations down one or both legs.

Neck Pain and Shoulder Injuries
Looking down repeatedly while shoveling, combined with the overhead throwing motion many people use, strains the neck and shoulder muscles. These areas are particularly vulnerable when you’re trying to toss snow over your shoulder or to the side.

Muscle Strains and Sprains
Cold temperatures cause muscles to tighten and become less flexible, making them more susceptible to strains. Without proper warm-up, your muscles and tendons are at greater risk when suddenly subjected to intense physical activity.

Who’s Most at Risk?

While anyone can sustain a shoveling injury, certain groups face elevated risks:

• Adults over 55 years of age
• Individuals who don’t exercise regularly
• People with pre-existing back or neck conditions
• Those with cardiovascular risk factors
• Anyone attempting to shovel after waking up (when spinal discs are most hydrated and vulnerable)

Proper Snow Shoveling Technique: Your Best Defense

The key to injury-free snow removal lies in using proper body mechanics and taking a strategic approach. Here’s what our chiropractors at The Brost Clinic recommend:

Before You Start

Warm Up Your Body
Cold muscles are injury-prone muscles. Spend 5-10 minutes warming up with light cardio like marching in place, gentle stretching of your back and hamstrings, and shoulder circles. This increases blood flow and prepares your muscles for work.

Choose the Right Equipment
Invest in an ergonomic snow shovel with a curved or adjustable handle that minimizes bending. A lightweight plastic blade reduces the weight you’re moving. The shaft should be long enough that you can stand relatively upright when the blade is on the ground—ideally reaching your chest or elbow height.

Dress Appropriately
Layer your clothing to stay warm without overheating. Wear boots with excellent tread to prevent slips and falls on icy surfaces. Don’t let hats or scarves block your vision.

During Shoveling

Perfect Your Posture

• Keep your feet hip-width apart for better balance and stability
• Face the snow squarely with both shoulders and hips aligned
• Bend at your hips and knees, not your lower back
• Keep your back straight and chest pushed forward
• Hold one hand on the handle and the other about 12 inches lower on the shaft for better control

Push, Don’t Lift
Whenever possible, push the snow to the side rather than lifting it. This single change can dramatically reduce strain on your back and shoulders.

Lift Correctly When Necessary

• Bend your knees and squat down, keeping your back straight
• Lift with your leg muscles, not your back
• Keep the shovel close to your body—don’t extend your arms
• Take small loads (half-full shovels are safer than full ones)
• Avoid twisting your torso; instead, pivot your entire body by moving your feet
• Walk to where you want to deposit the snow rather than reaching or throwing

Pace Yourself

• Shovel in layers if snow is deep rather than trying to move it all at once
• Take breaks every 15-20 minutes to stretch and rest
• Shovel multiple times during a snowfall to avoid accumulation
• Stay hydrated even in cold weather

Critical Don’ts

• Never throw snow over your shoulder – this twisting motion is one of the most common causes of back injury
• Don’t overload your shovel – more trips with lighter loads are safer than fewer trips with heavy loads
• Avoid early morning shoveling when possible – spinal discs are most hydrated (and vulnerable) after sleep
• Don’t shovel after heavy meals or alcohol consumption
• Never ignore pain signals – if something hurts, stop immediately

When Good Technique Isn’t Enough: Signs You Need Professional Care

Even with perfect form, accidents happen. Whether it’s a slip on ice, an unexpected twist, or simply overexertion, knowing when to seek professional chiropractic care is crucial.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Stop shoveling immediately and contact The Brost Clinic if you experience:

• Sharp, shooting pain in your back or neck
• Pain that radiates down your arms or legs
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities
• Difficulty bending, standing up straight, or walking
• Muscle spasms or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest
• Pain that persists for more than 2-3 days
• Limited range of motion in your neck or back

Emergency Symptoms

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Pain in your jaw, neck, or arm (potential cardiac symptoms)
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe numbness in both legs

How The Brost Clinic Can Help Your Snow Shoveling Injury

As Wayzata’s award-winning chiropractic clinic—voted “Best Chiropractic Practice” by Lake Minnetonka Magazine readers for over 10 consecutive years—we have extensive experience treating winter-related injuries. Our comprehensive approach addresses both immediate pain relief and long-term healing.

Our Treatment Services for Shoveling Injuries

Chiropractic Adjustments
Our skilled chiropractors use various adjustment techniques tailored to your comfort level and condition. Whether you prefer traditional manual adjustments, drop table techniques, or low-force activator methods, we customize treatment to your needs. These adjustments restore proper alignment to your spine, reduce nerve pressure, and promote natural healing.

Spinal Decompression Therapy
For patients with herniated discs or chronic back pain from shoveling injuries, we offer advanced DRX9000 spinal decompression therapy. We were the first clinic in Minnesota to provide this cutting-edge treatment, which gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves. This non-surgical approach has helped thousands avoid back surgery.

Massage Therapy
Our experienced massage therapists work alongside our chiropractors to address muscle tension, spasms, and soft tissue injuries. Therapeutic massage increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and speeds recovery from muscle strains common in shoveling accidents.

Rehabilitation Exercises
We don’t just treat your immediate injury—we help prevent future problems. Our rehabilitation program strengthens your core, back, and leg muscles to better support your spine during physical activities like snow shoveling.

Acupuncture
All of our chiropractors are board-certified in acupuncture. This complementary therapy helps manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing by stimulating your body’s natural recovery mechanisms.

Shockwave Therapy
For stubborn soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions that develop after shoveling accidents, we offer Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT). This non-invasive treatment uses acoustic pressure waves to promote natural healing and tissue regeneration.

Comprehensive Care for Related Conditions

Snow shoveling injuries can affect more than just your back. The Brost Clinic also specializes in treating:

• Neck Pain – from looking down repeatedly while shoveling
• Sciatica – radiating leg pain from lower back compression
• Upper Extremity Pain – shoulder, arm, and wrist injuries from gripping and lifting
• Lower Extremity Pain – hip and knee strain from improper lifting technique
• Headaches – tension headaches and migraines triggered by neck strain

Why Choose The Brost Clinic?

Experience and Excellence
Serving the Minneapolis West Metro since 1986, our chiropractors bring nearly four decades of expertise to every patient interaction. Our track record of awards and consistently high patient satisfaction speaks to our commitment to quality care.

Convenient Access
We understand that injuries don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we’re open six days a week with extended hours:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Tuesday, Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Insurance Coverage
We’re in-network with most major insurance providers, making quality chiropractic care accessible and affordable. We also handle car accident and workers’ compensation injuries.

First Visit Special
New patients receive a complimentary initial consultation and examination, during which our billing department will verify your insurance coverage. This allows you to understand your treatment options and costs before committing to care.

Comprehensive, Personalized Treatment
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Each patient receives a thorough evaluation and a customized treatment plan designed to address their specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

While The Brost Clinic is here to help when injuries occur, we’re even more passionate about helping you prevent them. Beyond proper shoveling technique, consider these preventive strategies:

Year-Round Fitness
Regular exercise that strengthens your core, back extensors, and leg muscles prepares your body for the demands of winter activities. Squats, deadlifts, and core exercises are particularly beneficial.

Maintain Flexibility
Stretching routines that focus on your hamstrings, hip flexors, and back muscles keep you limber and less prone to strain.

Know Your Limits
If you have pre-existing health conditions, are over 55, or don’t exercise regularly, consider hiring a snow removal service or using a snow blower instead of manual shoveling.

Listen to Your Body
Pain is your body’s warning system. Don’t push through discomfort or try to “work through” an injury—this often makes things worse.

Your Path to Recovery Starts Here

Whether you’re dealing with acute pain from a recent shoveling incident or chronic discomfort from past injuries, The Brost Clinic is ready to help you return to pain-free living. Our experienced team combines state-of-the-art treatments with time-tested chiropractic principles to deliver results.

Located in Wayzata, we proudly serve patients from Plymouth, Minnetonka, Orono, Mound, Long Lake, Maple Grove, Medina, Hamel, and throughout the western Twin Cities suburbs.

Don’t let winter weather keep you on the sidelines. Contact The Brost Clinic today:

Phone: (952) 473-9637
New Patient Hotline: (952) 475-1998
Location: 1421 Wayzata Blvd E #100, Wayzata, MN 55391
Email: info@thebrostclinic.com

Visit us online at thebrostclinic.com to schedule your appointment or learn more about our services.

Remember: This winter, shovel smart, not hard. Your back will thank you. And if you do experience an injury, know that expert chiropractic care is just a phone call away at The Brost Clinic—your trusted partners in health for nearly 40 years.

Hip pain affects millions of Americans every year, limiting mobility, disrupting sleep, and reducing quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing a dull ache after sitting too long or sharp pain that stops you in your tracks, understanding what’s causing your hip discomfort is the first step toward finding relief.

If you’re searching for drug-free treatment for hip pain, chiropractic care offers a safe, effective, and natural approach to addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of hip dysfunction.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

The hip is one of the body’s largest and most important joints. It bears significant weight and facilitates a wide range of movements, from walking and running to bending and rotating. Because of its complex structure and constant use, the hip is vulnerable to various conditions and injuries.

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the hip joint. This degenerative condition occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the joint wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone friction. Symptoms include stiffness, especially in the morning, reduced range of motion, and pain that worsens with activity.

2. Bursitis

Hip bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles around the hip joint. When these become inflamed due to repetitive motion, injury, or prolonged pressure, they can cause significant pain on the outside of the hip or upper thigh.

3. Muscle Strains and Tendonitis

Overuse, sudden movements, or improper body mechanics can strain the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip. Hip flexor strains and IT band syndrome are particularly common among athletes and active individuals, causing pain during movement and sometimes at rest.

4. Sciatica

While sciatica originates in the lower back, the radiating pain often travels through the hip and down the leg. This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, typically due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or misalignment in the lumbar spine.

5. Hip Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket, providing stability and cushioning. Tears can result from trauma, structural abnormalities, or repetitive motions, causing deep hip or groin pain, clicking sensations, and limited mobility.

6. Postural Imbalances and Misalignments

Poor posture, uneven leg length, pelvic misalignment, or spinal dysfunction can create abnormal stress on the hip joint. Over time, these imbalances lead to chronic hip pain and increase the risk of developing other conditions like arthritis.

7. Referred Pain

Sometimes hip pain isn’t actually coming from the hip at all. Issues in the lower back, sacroiliac joint, or even internal organs can refer pain to the hip region, making proper diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

How Hip Pain Affects Your Daily Life

Hip pain doesn’t just hurt—it can significantly impact your ability to enjoy everyday activities. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, climbing stairs, or standing from a seated position become challenging. Many people with chronic hip pain experience:

• Difficulty walking or limping
• Reduced exercise capacity and weight gain
• Sleep disturbances due to discomfort
• Increased reliance on pain medications
• Decreased participation in hobbies and social activities
• Compensatory problems in the knees, ankles, or lower back

The good news? You don’t have to accept hip pain as a normal part of aging or simply mask symptoms with medication.

Chiropractic Care: A Natural Approach to Hip Pain Relief

Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, including hip pain. Unlike conventional approaches that often rely on pain medications or invasive procedures, chiropractic care focuses on identifying and correcting the root causes of your discomfort through drug-free treatment for hip pain.

Comprehensive Assessment

Your journey to hip pain relief begins with a thorough evaluation. A chiropractor for hip pain will:

• Review your medical history and discuss your symptoms
• Conduct physical and orthopedic examinations
• Assess your posture, gait, and range of motion
• Evaluate spinal alignment and pelvic balance
• Determine if imaging studies are necessary

This comprehensive approach ensures that treatment addresses not just your symptoms, but the underlying biomechanical issues contributing to your pain.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Spinal and pelvic adjustments are central to chiropractic hip pain treatment. Misalignments in the spine or pelvis can create uneven stress on the hip joint, leading to pain and dysfunction. Gentle, precise adjustments help:

• Restore proper alignment and balance
• Reduce nerve interference
• Improve joint mobility
• Decrease inflammation
• Enhance the body’s natural healing processes

Many patients experience significant relief after just a few adjustments, though the exact number of treatments varies based on the severity and duration of your condition.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Tight muscles, trigger points, and fascial restrictions often contribute to hip pain. Chiropractors use various soft tissue techniques to:

• Release muscle tension and spasms
• Improve flexibility and range of motion
• Reduce scar tissue formation
• Enhance blood flow to injured areas
• Complement the effects of adjustments

Techniques may include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and therapeutic massage.

Corrective Exercises and Stretches

Strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight ones is crucial for long-term hip pain relief. Your chiropractor will design a personalized exercise program targeting:

• Hip flexor and extensor strength
• Core stability
• Glute activation
• Proper movement patterns
• Balance and coordination

These exercises not only help relieve current pain but also prevent future injuries by improving overall hip function and biomechanics.

Lifestyle and Ergonomic Guidance

Your daily habits significantly impact hip health. Chiropractors provide practical advice on:

• Proper sitting and standing posture
• Ergonomic workstation setup
• Safe lifting techniques
• Appropriate footwear choices
• Activity modifications during recovery

Small changes in how you move and position your body throughout the day can make a substantial difference in reducing hip stress and preventing pain.

The Benefits of Choosing Chiropractic Care for Hip Pain

When you choose chiropractic treatment for your hip pain, you’re choosing a holistic approach that offers numerous advantages:

Drug-Free Pain Relief – Avoid the side effects and dependency risks associated with pain medications. Chiropractic care provides natural hip pain relief without pharmaceuticals.

Non-Invasive Treatment – Unlike surgery, chiropractic care involves no incisions, anesthesia, or lengthy recovery periods. Most patients can maintain their daily activities during treatment.

Addresses Root Causes – Rather than simply masking symptoms, chiropractic care identifies and corrects the underlying mechanical issues causing your pain.

Whole-Body Approach – Chiropractors understand that hip pain often relates to problems elsewhere in the body. Treatment addresses the entire musculoskeletal system for optimal results.

Personalized Care Plans – Every patient receives individualized treatment based on their specific condition, goals, and overall health status.

Prevents Future Problems – By restoring proper alignment and function, chiropractic care helps prevent hip pain from recurring and reduces the risk of developing related conditions.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

If you’re considering hip pain treatment in Minnesota at our clinic, here’s what your first appointment will involve:

1. Detailed Consultation – We’ll discuss your pain history, symptoms, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals.
2. Physical Examination – We’ll assess your hip mobility, strength, posture, and gait pattern, along with spinal and pelvic alignment.
3. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan – Based on our findings, we’ll explain what’s causing your hip pain and recommend a customized treatment approach.
4. First Treatment – If appropriate, we may begin treatment during your initial visit to start your journey toward relief.
5. Education and Empowerment – We’ll provide you with information about your condition and self-care strategies you can use at home.

Is Chiropractic Care Right for Your Hip Pain?

Chiropractic treatment is safe and effective for most types of hip pain. It’s particularly beneficial for conditions related to:

• Mechanical dysfunction and misalignment
• Muscle imbalances and soft tissue problems
• Postural issues and compensatory patterns
• Chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other conservative treatments
• Prevention of hip problems in active individuals

However, certain conditions may require medical referral or co-management with other healthcare providers. Your chiropractor will always prioritize your safety and refer you to appropriate specialists when necessary.

Take the First Step Toward Hip Pain Relief Today

You don’t have to live with hip pain. Whether your discomfort is recent or you’ve been struggling for years, chiropractic care offers a proven path to natural, lasting relief.

Our clinic specializes in drug-free treatment for hip pain, using evidence-based techniques to help you move freely, sleep better, and enjoy life without limitations. We’re committed to understanding your unique situation and developing a treatment plan that works for you.

Ready to experience the difference chiropractic care can make?

📞 Call us today at 952-473-9637 or visit our new patient page to see current new patient offers and schedule your comprehensive consultation.

Your journey to hip pain relief starts here. Let us help you get back to doing what you love—naturally and without drugs.