Lansing Chiropractic Care for Slips and Falls
Michigan winters can be beautiful and magical. But there is nothing magical about slipping and falling on ice or wet pavement. We see an increase in these types of injuries every year in the winter. Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, it can still happen. And, often we feel ok once we get up and the aches and pains don’t set in for a day or two.
If you take a tumble, whether it is in winter or any other time, it is a good idea to get checked out – especially if you hit your head.
Here are some common injuries from a slip and fall:
Strains and Sprains – You may strain muscles due to a twist while falling. It happens so fast we don’t always know if we are hurt. Or what we even hit. A sprain occurs when your ligament is torn. In a slip and fall, a sprain often happens to the ankles and wrists.
Shoulder Injuries – Typically when we fall we instinctively reach out with our hands and often land on a shoulder. This can result in a lot of bruising and possibly a dislocation which can be very painful.
Back Injuries – Falls and sudden jarring of the spine can cause spinal misalignments. This can lead to pretty severe back pain.
Neck Injuries – Neck injuries and neck pain do not always show up immediately. It may take a few hours or a couple of days before you notice the pain. If you have a slip and fall you should see your chiropractor sooner rather than later – even if you aren’t experiencing a lot of pain.
Related: Common Injuries from Auto Accidents
How to Prevent Winter Slips and Falls
- Walk like a penguin by focusing on your footing and taking short, slow, and flat-footed steps
- Take it slow
- Avoid using cell phones or carrying large loads while walking
- Walk on marked paths and avoid shortcuts
- Wear proper footwear for the weather — no heels or smooth-soled shoes
- Watch for changing conditions — freezing, melting, and refreezing are especially dangerous
- Step down and not out when getting out of a vehicle
- Step down off curbs, not out
- Report icy conditions to a supervisor or maintenance person
- Spread salt on ice
Chiropractic care for slips and falls can treat:
- Back pain
- Whiplash
- Strains and Sprains
- Nerve-related numbness
- Shoulder and neck injuries
- Bruised ribs
- Tingling sensation
How does Chiropractic Care Help Slip and Fall Injuries?
We’ve all done it. We’ve all seen other people do it. We’ve probably watched videos of people falling on ice. In grade school, I saw a classmate fall face-first on the ice and knock both his front teeth out. He needed a dentist and a chiropractor!
The good news about a fall is that it is over quickly. The bad news is that the sudden stop and twisting of your body is hard on the spine. It can knock your vertebrae out of proper position.
Chiropractic care will gently adjust your spine back to its’ proper place so you can feel better and heal faster.
Make an appointment today!
Click here. To make an appointment or call (517) 781-4884
To find more about Dr. Ryan and Dr. Allyson and their chiropractic practice and philosophy, click here.