The winter season in Minnesota provides some unique opportunities to take part in some activities that aren’t available year-round. You’ve got activities like pond hockey, ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and sledding to name a few, and while these sports can be a lot of fun, they can also result in neck and spine injuries if you’re not careful.
Not every neck and spine injury is preventable, but if you know what factors contribute to injuries, you can take some steps to reduce your risk of suffering a potentially devastating injury. Below, we share some tips to keep your spine and neck safe during winter activities in Minnesota.
Neck and Spine Safety During Winter Activities
There are countless ways to get injured during winter activities, but some are more prevalent than others. Here’s a look at some ways to prevent the more common types of winter activity-related injuries.
- Start Slow – You may be great on a pair of skis or a snowboard, but if you’re like a lot of people, you probably haven’t strapped in since last winter, so it’s going to take a little bit to get back in the swing of things. Don’t jump into that double black diamond hill or jump right into a five mile snowshoe hike. Build your tolerance back up and let those muscle groups that haven’t been used as frequently since last winter ease back into activity. This will help prevent spinal muscle strains or overstress injuries.
- Protective Gear – Winter activities aren’t complete without the right gear, so make sure you’re suited up with all the necessary safety gear. Wear warm clothes to help keep muscle groups working optimally and consider wearing a helmet if you’re on the ice or ski hill. Even if you’re an expert at the activity, others around you may not be, and that can lead to an accident. Snowmobiles, skiers, snowboarders and ice skaters should protect their head and neck with a helmet.
- Warm Up – No matter the activity, it’s important that you take time to warm your muscles up for the upcoming activity. If you’re headed outside to shovel snow or go sledding, take a couple minutes to get loose and help prepare your muscles for the activity ahead. Jumping right into activity, especially when it’s cold outside, is a recipe for spinal muscle tears and spasms, so warm up before you begin.
- Slow Down – Finally, it’s a good idea to keep your speed in check this holiday season. Snow and ice make it difficult to stop in a timely manner, and a collision can cause serious spinal injuries. Stay within your limits on the ski hill, stay in control on the ice, keep your speed in check on the snowmobile trails and don’t drive too fast for conditions if you’re driving around town this winter. Even collisions at relatively slow speeds can have devastating consequences for your complex spinal system, so mind your speed during winter activities.
If you need help with a spine or neck issue that developed as a result of winter activities or another cause, please reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office to get started on a treatment plan.
