Tips To consider In Slip and Fall Season

By: Dr. Shane Davidson DC

Ice and snow have arrived! That means lots of slips, falls, slides, and possible car accidents. Snow and ice are commonly found in various parts of the world during these months. An ice sidewalk can become a significant hazard, putting a person at risk of serious injury. One wrong move, and you could find yourself slipping and falling – which could lead to fractures and even broken bones. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, there were over approximately 34 800 slip and fall injuries involving ice, sleet, or snow.

The Damaging Effects Of Falling On Ice

Slips and falls can cause trauma to the body without you even knowing it. Of course, we feel the pain as we hit the ground, but what does this do to your body? This can cause direct trauma to your body and misalign the spine, causing subluxations. Beyond the embarrassment of slipping and falling on the ice, you may suffer serious injuries that require immediate attention. Physical Stress is a direct cause of subluxations. Contact our licensed chiropractor in Lincoln, NE, if you’ve had a recent slip or fall. Some people may just “deal” with the pain and go on for weeks before getting checked, which can cause a domino effect, causing chaos within the body, known as dysfunction. Falls can be pretty traumatic and also cause whiplash. Some people have also experienced strains in their ligaments. In severe cases, spinal compression fractures and even broken bones in the hips and wrists can occur. Novo Chiropractic Lincoln care can reduce slips and falls by helping you achieve greater balance and a faster recovery time if you happen to fall or get into a car accident.

Reducing Your Risk Of Falling

Due to the risks of falling on ice, it is essential to take precautionary measures before winter arrives. One of the most beneficial measures you can take is to make an appointment with a Lincoln chiropractor. The chiropractic care provided makes specific alignments in your spine. These alignments improve the overall functioning of the central nervous system, which means movement becomes more accessible and more efficient. By correcting central nervous system function, you already experience a significant reduction in the risk of losing your balance and slipping on ice.

Apart from undergoing chiropractic care, there are a few other tips to consider too:

Walk like a Penguin: Walk flat on your feet, keeping your feet spread apart to widen your stance and balance. This keeps your gravity centered and spreads out the weight of your body. Keep your arms free at your sides to help maintain your balance.
Wear Proper Footwear: It is important to wear the proper shoes when walking outdoors in the snow, slush, & ice. A shoe with a rubber sole is better than a plastic sole. The plastic sole will be extra slick vs. the rubber that will try to grab. Wear boots, carry heels, or shoes not suited for the ice, snow, and slush in a bag, then change once indoors if needed.
Salted Sidewalks: Try to walk on the sidewalks or walkways that have been treated with salt & shoveled. This will lessen the likelihood of slips and falls; however, make sure the salt has completely melted the ice and/or snow before you start to walk on it. Avoid stairs if you see ice or snow on them.
Watch Where You Walk: Snow or ice that has melted and frozen again may look straightforward and shiny. This resembles a puddle of water. However, this is black ice. Melted snow is also a danger to slips and falls. Just because it is slushy does not mean it’s not slick
Wipe Your Feet When Indoors or Remove Shoes: When you come in from outside, your shoes are wet and slushy. This can cause a slip and fall once you enter any building. Wipe them well or remove them. Always look out for other puddles indoors from other people’s shoes as well.

Content Reviewed By

Dr. Shane Davidson D.C

Doctor of Chiropractic

Author