How to slip and fall on the ice......Properly!!!

How to best avoid injuries slipping on the ice...

First of all, make sure you are always wearing a NFL official league helmet and full face shield, shoulder pads rated to 1500 pounds of impact with a chest protector, as well as elbow pads, wrist braces, hip protector, knee pads, and taped ankles with proper fitting crampons.  

BUT........if you are not going to be walking around all day looking like an NFL superstar, maybe you should learn how to fall on those off days where you are caught without a helmet and shoulder pads.

Falling on ice can cause serious injuries and pain. Slips, trips and falls can be some of the most common incidents. Sometimes there is no way to avoid a fall. Knowing HOW to fall correctly can reduce the likelihood of injury and can even prevent yourself from getting hurt. Realistically, you aren't always going to be ready for a slip on ice or a stumble from other obstacles. Listed below are a few tips and techniques of how to fall properly to minimize injury. Preparing yourself to fall with least impact possible should be the goal.

General rule of thumb....it is better to prevent a fall by catching yourself ONLY if you can avoid sudden and jerky movements and avoid twisting.  If you are going to have to twist and crank your spine in order to keep yourself from hitting the ground, then it would most likely be better to just take the fall!  Here are tips for when you MUST take a fall.

Falling forward

Do:

• Keep your head up

• Breath out

• Fold your body

Dont:

• Lock joints

Falling Backward

Do:

• Tuck chin

• Round back

• Bend hips and knees if possible

Dont:

• Use extended arms to break your fall.

During the fall, don't resist and try to relax as much as possible. Minimize the force by falling on as much surface area as possible. You can also try to roll with the fall so that you are moving backwards rather than falling forward onto your face. If you happen to be carrying an object, toss it away from you when you are starting to fall so you don't land on the object.

Winter is a beautiful time of year, but it's smart to be aware of snow safety and falling hazards. Here are some helpful snow safety and falling prevention tips to get you through those snowy or icy conditions.

• Wear footwear that gives you good traction such as boots with rubber soles.

• Try to walk on even surfaces wherever possible.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets when walking outside.

• If you walk across an icy patch, shuffle and take small steps.

• Avoid carrying large objects outside in the winter.

• Slightly bending your knees when walking outside can reduce the likelihood of a fall.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

If you are injured from a fall or from catching yourself from a fall, make sure you call your Bozeman Chiropractor today at 406-551-2177 to get you and your spine back in line!

Call us: 406-551-2177

Schedule online at: https://appointments.mychirotouch.com/?clinic=GVCL0001