Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain – Winter Sports

Back Injury Chiropractor for Slips and Falls

Winter is slip and fall weather. Walking on icy surfaces is another winter activity that can result in serious injury.

Slipping and falling on icy pavement can result in injuries that can range from mild bruising to subluxations of the lower back.

Here are some tips for safer walking:

• Avoid smooth-soled shoes. Instead, opt for boots that provide traction on icy surfaces.
• Wear thick clothing that can help to cushion your body from the impact if you fall.
• Wear clothing that keeps you warm but that does not restrict vision or otherwise prevent you from being aware of hazards in your vicinity.
• Be cautious when approaching icy pavement, assume that all dark, wet surfaces are slippery.
• Slightly bend your knees and walk flat-footed. Try to keep your center of gravity over your feet and extend your arms to your sides to help with maintaining balance.

Winter Sports

Winter sports provide you with the opportunity to go outside and be active during the winter months, but they also present a high risk of injury.

Snowboarders frequently suffer from injuries to their wrists and thumbs as a result of falling frequently.

Hockey is obviously a contact sport, which means that hockey players need to be aware of the potential for injuries from high-speed collisions.

Such injuries include sprains and misalignments. Here are some tips for back safety when playing winter sports:

• As with any physical activity, you should make sure to warm up adequately before participating in winter sports.
• Be aware of what is around you. For example, be aware of the locations of objects like trees and rocks.
• Stay on marked trails ad avoid areas that are potentially dangerous.

Shovelling Snow

Shovelling snow is a common cause of winter back injuries but you can avoid hurting your back by learning the right way to go about the task. Utilize the following tips:

• Warming up is as essential for physical tasks like shovelling snow as it is before playing sports. Remember, cold muscles are far more likely to be injured than muscles that are warmed up and flexible. A simple warm up can consist of stretching exercises for your legs, back and arms or even just going for a brisk walk.
• Wear the correct clothing for shovelling snow. The ideal clothing should be light and water-repellent while also providing good ventilation and insulation. You should also wear shoes that will help you to avoid falling. These shoes should have soles that are slip-resistant.
• Tackle the job in small sections rather than by attempting to do too much at one time. Take breaks in order to rest your back and pay attention to how well it is managing the task. Keep your loads light rather than attempt to lift overly heavy ones.
• Use a shovel with an extended or curved handle. These minimize the need for bending. You will not have to bend your knees or arch your back as much.

A Sedentary Lifestyle

For many people, much of the winter season is spent on the couch eating and watching football. Cold weather often discourages people from engaging in outdoor activities.

The failure to exercise while maintaining poor posture is a common cause of lower back pain. In order to avoid this, you should:

• Maintain a winter exercise regimen that is focused on making your back stronger.
• Make an effort to eat a healthy diet during the winter as this can help you to avoid weight gain and thus prevent the extra stress on your body that comes with being overweight.

Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain Toronto

If your back continues to be sore after following these tips, it may be time to consult a back injury chiropractor and physiotherapist.  Our services will be able to handle your winter back problems safely and reduce the symptoms of back injuries.

Core Wellness Centre offers a full assessment of your condition with detailed report of findings, digital posture analysis and if needed, in-house x-rays.  We have a full range of services of chiropractic treatments, physiotherapy, spinal decompression, y-axis traction strap, vibration machines to service your needs to enjoy a fully functional lifestyle.

Call us on (416) 479 – 8311 to make your appointment today!