In many parts of the country, winter is a dreaded yearly nuisance. Winter involves shoveling snow, battling ice, and dealing with sub-zero temperatures. For this reason, people who live up north will often fly south for the winter, in an attempt to avoid the cold season.
But those who stick it out through the frigid winters subject themselves to multiple potential injuries, some of which can be completely devastating if they are not promptly addressed. In this article, we will review some common winter injuries and demonstrate how chiropractic care can help you prevent and treat these issues.
Most Common Winter Injuries
There are tons of ways in which one can be injured during the winter. In this section, we’ll review some of the most frequently seen injuries and ailments that occur during the colder months of the year.
Snow Shoveling Injuries
As benign as it may seem, snow shoveling is actually one of the most dangerous chores there is. In fact, many people go to the emergency room, and some of these people even pass away as a result of snow shoveling injuries every year.
The cold and the heavy effort inherent in shoveling can put tons of strain on the heart. When this happens, snow shovelers may suffer from a heart attack.
In less life-threatening situations, these patients can also suffer from muscle strains, ligament sprains, and similar issues.
Winter Sports Injuries
Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding are incredibly fun activities. There’s nothing like the feeling of cutting down a snowy hill with friends and family.
However, these activities can pose injury risks for participants. Skiing and snowboarding are particularly dangerous, especially when these athletes are navigating black diamonds and other risky routes.
Lower body injuries are particularly common in these sports, as racing down the hill requires high levels of ankle, knee, and hip mobility.
Slipping on Ice
Slip and fall injuries may seem fairly harmless. However, many people who slip and fall have to visit the emergency room every year. In fact, some people who slip and fall will hit their heads when they land, leading to serious concussions or even traumatic brain injuries.
Slippery sidewalks and roadways pose huge risks for people in the winter, this is especially true late at night or early in the morning, when visibility is low.
Frostbite
Frostbite can range from very mild, to extremely serious. Some frostbite injuries can even lead to amputations, if the limb is not properly treated as quickly as possible.
Those who have decreased blood flow to certain areas of their body are at particularly high risk for frostbite during the winter.
Winter Injuries and Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors serve many roles for patients in the winter months.
Not only can chiropractors help patients rehab from injuries, they can also help them avoid injuries in the first place.
How can chiropractors aid in injury prevention, you ask?
First and foremost, chiropractors are concerned with keeping the spine in perfect alignment. By performing specific spinal manipulations, chiropractors can improve the functioning of the CNS (central nervous system) and all of the other systems with which the CNS interacts.
In turn, this can lead to faster healing, improved reaction time, and better coordination overall. These are the perfect ingredients for recovery and injury prevention!
Are you worried about the winter months? Do you dread the thought of suffering an injury as the temperatures drop? If so, you should consider seeking an appointment with our experts at Awaken Chiropractic, the best Parker Chiropractors. We will get you in tip-top shape for the winter months, and we can help you with any nagging pain or injuries you’ve been dealing with. Book your first appointment today.
