Winter Is Coming
Dr. David Leonard is a Chiropractor practicing in Raymore, Missouri. Dr. Leonard specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis... more
With all the ice and snow coming, people slip and hurt themselves. How can I be safe and if I do fall, what can I do to help myself?
Yes, you need to be very careful in the ice and snow because falling on ice usually means there is a hard surface around that can cause serious injuries to the body. Here are some helpful hints:
- When it snows on the walkways and driveways, make sure that you get it shoveled as soon as possible, because if it's allowed to pack down it will turn to ice. Make sure you have plenty of salt—sometimes even some sand will help.
- Watch out for so-called black ice, especially at night when you cannot see well. If you are around asphalt, make sure there is plenty of salt or sand to walk on.
- Do not wear slippery shoes with no tread or high heels.
- If you do fall, try to roll with the fall instead of hitting hard. Especially watch out for your shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows. These areas all have bony protuberances and they can damage easily.
- When walking in icy areas or areas that you suspect are icy, try to scope out the landscape for anything to hold onto.
- Also, try and shuffle your feet, don’t pick them up real high.
- If you fall and sustain injuries, it is a good idea to get checked out by a healthcare professional. X-rays may be warranted to rule out fractures or dislocations.
- For bruises and contusions, you can ice the area for the first 48-72 hrs. Remember, only leave the ice on for 15-minute increments or you can frostbite the skin. If swelling persists, get it checked out by a healthcare professional.
- After a fall, chiropractic care is an excellent way therapy to help get you back on your feet. Falling can really injure your joints and cause your spine to be misaligned.
Remember to use common sense. If you fall and think you are hurt badly, go to the ER They can at least take X-rays and rule out any internal bleeding (References available upon request).
Dr. Leonard is the owner of Heritage Chiropractic Center & the Inventor of the Willflex chair for Low Back Pain. The office can be reached at 322-1990 or visit our website at www.lowback.net
