How to Avoid Winter Sports Injuries

It’s winter, and the cold weather is back in full swing. Despite having an unseasonably warm Christmas day, we’re looking at cold weather being the norm for the next couple of months with some smatterings of snow and ice. Many Long Islanders may take this time to go upstate or out of state for a weekend getaway to ski or snowboard or stay local and enjoy some ice skating.

While engaging in these winter sports activities may be fun, they aren’t without risk. Like with all sports, if you aren’t careful, you can suffer from injuries ranging from a mild inconvenience for a few days to chronic pain that can follow you for the rest of your life.

Performing lower back exercises for skiing/snowboarding can help avoid injuries, but it’s not foolproof. So, what exactly are the real risks in participating in winter sports?

What Are the Risks of Skiing or Snowboarding?

Skiing and snowboarding include a mix of common risks normal for most sports plus some unique dangers of their own to avoid. Some of the more common risks that apply to most sports include exhaustion and fatigue from spending too much time skiing or snowboarding without rest. People end up with impaired awareness due to fatigue, which can lead to injuries. 

Additionally, too much time performing without rest can cause dehydration, impairing awareness. Flimsy equipment and not properly stretching and warming up before getting active can also lead to injury.

When it comes to more unique risks, skiing and snowboarding involve going downslope, often on hills, mountains, or artificially made environments. Not paying attention to signs posted on the trail can quickly create a dicey situation and could lead to going off course into an area that’s been closed off or not designed to have people actively going through.

Some people are also affected by changes in altitude more than others. If you’re not accustomed to being at a higher altitude with thinner air, you could be putting yourself at risk.

Can You Tear Your ACL Snowboarding?

Unfortunately, one of the common injuries from snowboarding is tearing your ACL. Other common injuries may include dislocations and fractures, broken bones, or head and spinal injuries. Sports like snowboarding and skiing require practice and respect for the sport. A guaranteed way to get yourself in a situation where an injury could happen is by attempting trails and techniques too far above your skill level.

How Do You Prevent Back Pain While Skiing or Snowboarding?

The best way to prevent back pain while skiing or snowboarding is by doing lower back exercises for skiing/snowboarding. That includes both stretching before sports and doing activities at other times. Exercising and getting into proper shape for the sport is essential for avoiding injuries. If you find that you’re suffering from back pain in your day-to-day life regardless of the amount of physical activity you do, that may be the sign of a bigger problem that you’ll need to address.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Help Reduce Your Back Pain

For more than 35 years, East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. has been providing a wide range of chiropractic services to best fit your needs. We can work with you on pain management and restoring the range of motion in your neck through massage, stretching exercises, spinal adjustments, and more. Call our office at (516) 679-2225 to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a more comfortable life.