The winter months can be extremely harsh on our bodies. Cold, dry air, bitter winds, and freezing temperatures make us yearn for warmer weather. A winter condition that is particularly uninviting is icy walkways. A patch of ice on the sidewalk or parking lot can spell disaster. If you fall on the ice, you may need a chiropractor in Longmont, CO. To decide what care you need, consider the following commonly asked questions:

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How does a fall on the ice in Longmont affect my body?

A slip and fall often result in trauma to several of your body's systems. Your bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments can all be affected, along with the nervous system. Your spine may become misaligned, causing interruptions in nervous system signals. When you experience back pain after a slip-and-fall, visit a professional chiropractor in Longmont, CO to check for injuries and potential long-term effects.

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What should I do to recover from the fall?

A visit to the chiropractor will help determine what must be done to speed your recovery from slip-and-fall injuries. The chiropractor will use on-site x-ray machines to examine your spine for disk damage. Your chiropractor will recommend the necessary in-office treatment needed as well as recommend exercises you can do to help speed your recovery.

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What does chiropractic care involve?

When a fall misaligns your spine, chiropractic care restores it to proper alignment, allowing the nervous system to function properly and the body to heal. Chiropractors treat injuries to your spine, joints, muscles and ligaments with non-invasive, drug-free techniques including hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments. Treatment consists of exercises to restore strength and flexibility to injured areas. Initially, your chiropractor will move the injured parts for you, until you have healed enough to make these movements on your own.

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What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

When your spine is properly realigned, the body is usually able to heal itself without surgery or medication. Through spinal manipulation, chiropractors restore mobility to joints stiffened by injury. If your body is stiff due to the long winter months, chiropractic care may also be beneficial to limber up your cold joints and muscles. Chiropractic care has also been shown to be helpful for back pain, neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.

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How can I prevent future fall injuries?

Prevention of future slip-and-fall injuries happens in two steps: exercising caution and cautious exercise. When walking outdoors during the winter, be cautious. Be aware surfaces that don't appear slick may be icy. Proceed slowly. Wear proper winter shoes. Strengthening your body can also protect you from injury. A body that is in good shape is less likely to suffer harm if you do fall, or will at least recover more quickly. If you have physical limitations, exercise with these in mind to prevent injury. Walking for at least 30 minutes each day is a great method to strengthen and protect your body.

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What should I do now?

If you have suffered a fall on the ice this winter, don't hesitate to contact your chiropractor in Longmont, CO by calling Clancey Chiropractic, PC. A quick assessment can determine what treatment you need and get you on the road to recovery. Your spine will thank you.