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Gardening and Back Pain - Digging and Shoveling

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Position the Shovel in Front of You

When shoveling or digging, position the blade level and parallel to your hip bones.

When shoveling or digging, position the blade level and parallel to your hip bones.

(c) Anne Asher 2007 Licensed to About.com
Shoveling is hard work, so set yourself up for success right from the beginning. Position the shovel's blade so that it is level. Ideally, it should be parallel to your hip bones (pelvis) in the front, assuming your hip bones are level.
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