Winter may not be the first season you think of when you consider some of the most popular sports of our time, but it does offer plenty of unique opportunities for both competitive and leisure activity. Don’t let the cold keep you from leading an active lifestyle all year round. Crisp air and a fresh blanket of snow are the perfect companions to some of winter’s greatest pastimes, including snowboarding, skiing, sledding, and much more.
But as with any other sport, these exciting winter activities come with a risk of potential injury. Even when properly outfitted with the proper gear and equipment, accidents can happen. Read on for a list of some of the most common winter sports injuries, and learn how you can find healing and pain relief with chiropractic care.
- Gamekeeper’s Thumb. Also known as Skier’s Thumb, this particular injury affects the Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which connects your thumb to the rest of your hand. Skiers are especially vulnerable, due to their ski poles resting against the UCL. Injury or overuse could result in a strain, tear, or puncture.
- Rotator Cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep your arm in your shoulder socket. They allow for great range of motion, but they can be overextended and overused. Gradual tearing or sudden traumatic impact can both be a cause of injury.
- Strange as it may sound, whiplash can occur almost anywhere, even while participating in winter sports. This injury occurs due to a rapid and unnatural back-and-forth motion of the neck, typically after a sudden stop. Falls and collisions sometimes result in whiplash.
- Back Strain. Your back muscles and spine do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to repetitive motion. Sports of any kind require a certain level of physical exertion, and that can take a toll on your body over time. Back strain can keep you from performing your best in your chosen event.
- Sprains & Fractures. The ligaments that surround the joints of your ankles, wrists, knees, and elbows can sustain injuries just like any other part of your body. Sprains occur when this ligament is overextended or torn. While less common than simple sprains, fractured bones sometimes strike in the same points of weakness.
Chiropractic care is well-equipped to handle a variety of sports-related injuries. From traumatic brain injury to musculoskeletal issues, our therapies help minimize pain and accelerate your body’s healing processes. Looking for a chiropractor to call home? Contact Wirth Chiropractic, or swing by one of our two locations for a free consultation!
