Very easy on the back, I had grabbed a regular shovel one storm because it was closer to me & it's a noticeable difference. You don't realize how much easier it is with the spring assisted handle until you don't have it. Also, a year after I bought it, the metal edge came off & the screws were rusting off. They replaced it free of charge & the new one has no more screws to rust. Improved.
Fortunately, I didn't need it much after it arrived. It was easy to assemble and worked well for what limited snowfall we received. So far, happy with the purchase.
The extra handle on the lower part of the shovel is a back saver. We had four feet of snow and I was able to shovel both my property and my elderly neighbors, without any back pain, or undue stress. Great idea!
The only bad thing about it is the aluminum edge on the blade of the shovel, is not rivetted like most of the shovels out there. The aluminum edge fell off on the third use. I tink I will have to put rivets through myeself.