Avoiding Slips and Falls

Winter poses unique challenges to the body because of its inconsistent combination of wind, ice, rain, and snow.  The season brings lots of holiday cheer, get-togethers, and family dinners, but also imposes a high risk for car accidents, falls, and musculoskeletal and bone injury.  The spine is particularly prone to damage because a lot of the weight is born on the spine during falls. This season, our chiropractor in Commack at Suffolk County Chiropractic can treat you today!

How to Avoid Slipping This Winter

Back pain is the most common complaint after a fall, and up to 70 percent of the adult U.S. population has presented to their doctor with some form of back pain in their lives.  A chiropractor can help with these injuries, so if you are looking for a chiropractor in Commack, contact Suffolk County Chiropractic today.  Spinal health is especially important, and back pain remains one of the most common complaints evaluated in the office.  If severe, back pain can limit mobility and lead to other long-term problems such as obesity, chronic arthritis, and infection.  Take the time to read these simple tips to help prevent back pain this season, especially secondary to falls :

• Pace your steps – Be sure to walk slowly and carefully especially slopes and hills.

• Use car support handles – It is especially dangerous when exiting a car in the winter, make sure to look where you’re planting your foot when entering and exiting. Use the roof handles in the vehicle for support.

• Observe entrances to buildings and houses – Doorways if not treated can be the slipperiest place in the winter because of water run-off and heavier traffic.

• Keep both hands empty if possible – If you can, avoid carrying items or walking with your hands in your pockets. In the event of a slip, your arms can help you balance and prevent a fall.

• Watch out for black ice

• Use your foot as a tester – Try tapping your foot on areas that look slipper to test if it actually slippery.

• Avoid uneven surfaces – Steps, hills, walkways, etc.

Protective Winter Gear

Above I listed some practical steps to avoid slipping on ice during this winter but sometimes that is not enough. Here are some tips on winter gears that could literally save your butt this winter:.

• Winter gloves besides warming your hands the could lessen the impact of a fall on your hands.
• Winter headwear like knitted hats can lessen the impact of fall because of their usual thick wool.
• Padded coat a padded coat can also lessen the impact of a fall.
• Invest in slip-resistant footwear that is suitable for winter conditions they will help avoid falling.

Types of Back Injuries

Winter falls because of their regular occurrence have caused a lot of people pain and suffering.

Depending on the nature of the fall and other factors like age, type of impact, and medical condition; winter falls can cause a variety of injuries. Here is a list of some of the more common back injuries reported:

• Herniated or slipped discs
• Back sprains
• Vertebra fractures
• Cauda equina syndrome – a surgical emergency which is a result of spinal cord compression
• Osteoarthritis – typically triggered by the cold weather
• Musculoskeletal pain

A primary care doctor can determine whether imaging is necessary, but a chiropractor can work with to help get you back in shape by improving your mobility, increasing your strength, and accelerating healing.  If you are looking for a chiropractor in Commack, consider our many services at Suffolk County Chiropractic. We offer years of experience at flexible hours to make sure you feel great this season, so contact us to book your appointment today!