It’s that time of year! People are heading north to hit the slopes, and the ski resort mountains of New England are busier than ever. Skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing are great activities for the winter. Snow-focused activities provide a physical challenge and mental escape during the colder/shorter days of winter.
As great as skiing and all other mountain sports can be, as a local chiropractor, I’ve seen the effects that ski season can have on the body. Skiing is challenging for the back, knees, neck, and spine, and that’s without falling!
This article will delve into the common issues and injuries that local chiropractors will see during the New England ski season.
Common Skiing/Snowboarding Injuries Your Local Chiropractor Will See
- Neck Injuries – It’s common for people to injure or irritate their necks while hitting the slopes. A sudden twist, fall, or jerk will create pain and stiffness in the neck that is slow to dissipate.
- Spinal Injuries – Skiers and snowboarders that encounter challenging terrain or intentionally go off jumps and put their bodies into high-impact scenarios can experience spinal injuries. Spinal misalignment is a common reason skiers will enter a chiropractor’s office during the winter season.
- Knee Injuries – All the twisting, turning, and high-impact movements our knees must endure while skiing or snowboarding is no light lift. It is quite common for people to experience knee pain, swelling, and lack of mobility after a busy day on the mountain.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries – The average downhill skier travels between 20-40mph; a fall at that speed is tough on bones and joints. Often, skiers and snowboarders will brace their falls by trying to land on their side or back, resulting in the shoulder taking the brunt of the impact. Rotator cuffs can be injured from these types of falls.
Learn About the Benefits of Good Posture!
How To Best Prevet Ski-Related Injuries
Accidents happen, and many injuries can’t be prevented or foreseen. However, there are some strategies and precautions skiers/snowboarders can take so their bodies endure less strain and pose less risk for injury while hitting the slopes.
- Stay in Good Physical Shape
Many skiers/snowboarders make a common mistake of not letting their bodies warm-up for the mountain’s strenuous activity. Many people will hit the slopes after getting little-to-no exercise during the week, sitting behind a desk while working from home. Core and leg strengthening exercises such as squats, lunges, and wall sits are great exercises for preparing your body for the slopes.
It’s essential to have some physical strength and core strength before hitting the slopes – by staying in moderate shape, people can significantly reduce the risk of injury while on the mountain.
- Make the First Run an Easy One
It’s cold on the mountain, so doing jumping jacks or other warm-ups/stretching exercises in the parking lot will not help your body on the slopes. Go down a green trail for the first run of the day. By going slow and easy on the first run of the day, you let your body gradually adapt to the movement it will be engaging in for the rest of the day. Between runs, you can do some stretches to keep the muscles warm as well; being limber and warm will help prevent the risk of injury.
- Visit Your Local Chiropractor Before You Hit the Slopes
It’s a great idea to visit your local chiropractor for treatment BEFORE your trip to the mountain. A chiropractic adjustment will best prepare your body for the challenging activities ahead. Chiropractors work with your spine and nervous system to ensure your body is flexible with healthy, painless mobility.
If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Braintree, please contact us to learn how Weymouth Chiropractic and Wellness Center can help you feel great on the mountains this season!