I live in Northeast U.S. where we get feet not inches of snow. I have a bad back. I received the Snow Joe Shovel as a gift and I cannot tell you how much easier that second handle makes it to lift and throw the snow. I now have two Snow Joes - one for home and one in my truck.
We have used this shovel quite a few times this winter. It does reduce back strain and what I really like, is the ability to fling the snow farther away with ease. The only problem is we only have one, and two people usually doing the shoveling. We will be purchasing a second one in the near future.
I had back surgery two summers ago and last winter was misery; but this winter I actually enjoyed getting outside with my new Snow Joe snow shovel. This thing is worth its weight in gold.