Spine Injuries from Falling on Ice
It’s that time of year again - be on the lookout for slippery ice patches - especially while visiting friends and family in colder areas. We frequently see a rise in injuries resulting from falls during the winter months and the greatest threat of wintertime to spines is icy surfaces.
Cold weather can actually make muscles and ligaments cold, tight, and brittle, increasing the possibility of injury. The chances of becoming injured due to a fall accident is very high in people who are over age 65. Don’t be afraid to be overly cautious when you take those first steps after a cold night onto pavement. Black ice can be easy to miss and put you on your back fast!
Common Injury From Falling On Ice
Landing on your back following a slip on the ice can result in a herniated disc, a cervical sprain or strain, or a lumbar sprain or strain. A sudden impact can tear the outer part of the disc or cause the disc to be displaced. Even if you don’t fall, twisting your back to save yourself from falling can do damage. If you experience serious lower back pain or buttocks pain following a slip or fall, you should call your doctor.
Following A Fall
What should you do after falling on your back? If the pain persists, seek medical attention. Your doctor can best determine whether or not any serious damage was done and provide you with solutions such as: anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or after all other options have been explored, surgery.
Slipping on ice triggers an automatic reflex response to avoid a fall. Part of this response involves the tensing up of the postural muscles within your spine - muscles and ligaments that are already cold, tight, and brittle due to cold temperatures. A sudden increase in muscle tension can damage the muscle fibers, and in some cases lead to misalignments of vertebral joints or disc injuries such as a herniation or bulge.
Common Symptoms Of Injury
Most falls result in some pain and discomfort. The spinal column encases the spinal cord, a nerve conduit running from your brain to the rest of your body; harm at any point on this pathway can result in pain or dysfunction. Minor injuries that occur from falling or excessive twisting of the spine include injuries to the back and spine which can affect more distant areas of the body, like pain in the ankle, wrist, hand, arm, knee, foot, or leg.
Tenderness, stiffness, dull-achy pain, or sharp pain with certain movements are all symptoms of lower back muscle strain. Injuries after a fall may go away on their own, but if you ignore the symptoms for too long, you run the risk of joint misalignments and possibly the formation of scar tissue.
Reduce Your Risk Of Slipping
When it comes to accident-related injuries, the only thing better than treatment is prevention. The following tips can help you stay safe no matter how frightful the weather is outside:
Wear sturdy boots when walking outdoors
Shovel your driveway, sidewalks, and outdoor access ways around your home - don’t just hope it’ll melt
Use sand, salt, or other de-icer products
Always hold a railing when negotiating outdoor stairs
If you must walk on ice, take short and slow steps. Consider holding your arms out in a “ T” as if you are walking a tightrope to improve your balance.
If you do fall, try to tuck your chin into your chest, land on your buttocks, and keep your arms close to your side to protect your wrists.
Be prepared to keep your back healthy this winter season. If you do experience injuries from falling on ice, seek immediate, quality care to ensure a full recovery. To learn more, please visit us here or contact us at 703-560-1146.