Stay Safe This Winter: How to Prevent Slips, Falls, and Back Injuries on Ice
Winter in Willowbrook means cold mornings, icy sidewalks, and a higher risk of slips and falls. Every year, countless people strain muscles, sprain ankles, and even injure their spine from losing their footing on hidden ice. At Abundant Health Chiropractic, we see these injuries spike the moment temperatures drop below freezing.
The good news? Most ice-related injuries are preventable with the right awareness and technique. Here are chiropractor-approved strategies to stay upright, healthy, and active all winter long.
1. Do the "Penguin Walk" on Ice
When surfaces are slick, shorten your stride and keep your center of gravity low.
Take small, slow steps
Keep feet slightly turned outward
Keep hands free and out of pockets
This reduces forward momentum and helps maintain balance.
2. Wear the Right Footwear
Choose shoes or boots with:
Deep tread
Non-slip rubber soles
Good ankle support
Avoid smooth leather or worn-out soles — they offer zero traction on ice.
3. Use Your Arms for Balance
Avoid carrying heavy bags on icy days.
Keep arms out slightly to stabilize your body. If you must carry bags, divide weight evenly.
4. Test Surfaces Before You Commit
Tap the ground with your foot.
If it slides even slightly — assume it’s black ice. Move slowly or choose another path.
5. Watch for Trouble Zones
Slips often happen in:
Parking lots
Entryways
Ramps
Shaded sidewalks
Areas where ice melts and refreezes overnight
Always look ahead for shiny, glassy patches.
6. Keep Your Hands Out of Your Pockets
If you slip, you need your arms to catch yourself.
Hands in pockets = NO reaction time and higher chance of shoulder, wrist, or spinal injury.
7. Fall the “Safe” Way
If a fall is unavoidable:
Tuck chin toward chest
Bend knees
Land on your side or buttocks, not your wrists or spine
Trying to “stop” the fall with stiff arms causes most fractures.
8. De-Ice Your Home Entry Points
Sprinkle salt or sand on:
Steps
Walkways
Driveways
Keep a small container of salt near your door for quick use.
9. After a Slip, Pay Attention to Symptoms
Common post-fall issues include:
Neck stiffness
Low back pain
Shoulder tightness
Headaches
Radiating pain
If symptoms last more than 24–48 hours, it’s time for an evaluation.
How Chiropractic Helps After a Slip or Fall
Even a “minor” fall can misalign joints, strain muscles, or irritate discs. With chiropractic care, we can:
Restore spinal alignment
Reduce inflammation
Improve mobility
Speed healing
Prevent chronic pain
At Abundant Health Chiropractic, we offer adjustments, decompression, muscle work, and Motion Study X-Rays to fully assess injuries and get you back to feeling your best.
