Enjoying Winter Sports Safely

We have lots of white fluffy snow in Burnsville, MN. And, with the big games on TV, many are motivated to get out and enjoy the outdoors with winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, hockey, ice skating, sledding and, of course, curling (well, that might be inside).

We encourage the added winter activity, which will help you stay in good physical shape. But, like with any physical activity, it is best to prepare properly. I recommend:

• Wearing appropriate clothing because cold muscles can tighten and intensify any joint problems.
• Getting appropriate rest. A rested body is a prepared body.
• Doing warm-up exercises such as squats, lunges and shoulder and mid-back exercises. The American Chiropractic Association has a list of suggested warmups by sport.
• Cooling down
• Driving carefully on snowy and slippery roads

The fun on the ice and snow is invigorating. As you enjoy your time outside, do pay attention to your body. Keep in mind:

• Minor injuries may be exacerbated without proper treatment
• Slips and falls on snow and ice can damage your spine
• Skiing and snowboarding injuries can cause whiplash
• Some falls may result in a herniated disc of the lower back
• Snow sports can cause chronic neck or back pain

We suggest working out to prepare your body for outdoor sports. Be sure to vary our activities for endurance and resistance training. And, see your chiropractor for regular treatments to keep your spine aligned.

If you have an injury, note that scar tissue formation can be prevented with a chiropractic diagnosis of misalignment. Chiropractic care can also address vertebra slips.

Remember, chiropractic care doesn’t mask the pain with medication but addresses the underlying issue.

So, go out and enjoy the snow and ice, and embrace winter sports. But, if you need us, we are here.

Photo by Kasya Shahovskaya on Unsplash