Man Slipped And Injured Back On Icy Street
It’s winter in the Northeast making roads and sidewalk constantly slippery from ice and snow. In addition, the incredible popularity of hoverboards as a holiday gift this year, has resulted in countless others falling (often very hard) while trying their hand at hover boarding. (Even Mike Tyson posted a video of himself falling off his daughter’s hoverboard.)
Slip and Fall Injuries in Rhode Island
Suffice to say slip and fall injuries can be caused by a number of things, including slick or rough surfaces, unsafe shoes, and a poor mental/physical state. Slip and fall injuries can result in trauma to the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and nervous system. Injuries can even lead to misalignments in the spine, which can lead to a whole host of medical problems, both in the short and long term.
That’s why it is wise to consider seeking chiropractic treatment if you suffer any pain after slipping and falling. It’s also important to keep in mind that pain may emerge hours or even days after a fall. At Eastside Chiropractic Center, we treat patients of all ages who have suffered a spinal injury, or other musculoskeletal injuries resulting from a slip and in greater Providence, Rhode Island.
While chiropractic care’s main focus is the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, treatment is also suited to injuries as a result of slipping and falling, including sprains and strains, joint pain, and neck and back pain. Our adjustments are non-invasive and alleviate pain by bettering range of motion and the body’s natural ability to heal. We can also treat injuries to the knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, and shoulders.
If you haven’t yet suffered from a slip and fall injury, that’s great news. Here are some helpful tips to avoid or prevent slipping or falling on slippery surfaces this winter.
Shoes
Lack of tread on ice or snow is the cause of most falls during the winter. Make sure your shoes or boots have plenty of tread, or make sure your shoes are anti-slip or equipped with traction cleats.
Vision
Before walking on areas that appear to be slippery, test them by tapping your foot. Also, make sure your field of vision is clear, and avoid carrying objects that might block your sight.
Balance
Take small, slow steps and keep your feet underneath your body. Also, wear gloves so you can use your hands for balance. Don’t lean forward when walking on ice. Provide yourself with a solid center of balance.
Though all of the steps above will help you to walk as safe as possible in risky weather conditions, sometimes slips and falls are unavoidable. If you feel yourself starting to slip and fall, these tips can minimize the damage that may be caused.
● Fall on your side if possible. Trying to break a fall with your arms can result in a broken arm or wrist.
● Protect your head. If you’re falling backwards, try to bend your torso and neck forward so your head doesn’t hit the ground.
● Drop whatever you’re carrying if you start to fall. This will allow you to protect yourself.
If all else fails and you do experience a fall, schedule an appointment with a reputable and experienced chiropractor even if you don’t feel pain immediately. Falls can sometimes cause injuries that go unnoticed for weeks.
Be safe this slippery season. And avoiding hoverboards is probably a good idea too!
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, contact Eastside Chiropractic Center, in Providence, Rhode Island at 401-453-2225. Eastside Chiropractic Center offers chiropractic evaluations, adjustments, range of motion testing, injury rehabilitation, massage therapy, low-level laser therapy, and numerous additional wellness services. You can also email us at eastsidechirocenter@gmail.com, or visit www.eastsidechirocenter.com.
