Winter Sports
By Dr. Melanie Beingessner

Printed in the Western Amateur Sports Newspaper, October 2000.

With the end of the summer season and the beginning of autumn, we start to get out our boots and winter coats, anticipating the arrival of snow season. And with the snow comes all kinds of winter sports to choose from: hockey, ice skating, skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, the list continues.

As a Chiropractor, what concerns me most is the amount of neck injuries that I see in my office due to slips on ice, bad hockey checks, ski injuries and sledding crashes. I would like to offer some common sense advice to think about as you and your family prepares to have fun during the winter season.

Wear a helmet when playing hockey, skiing and even when sledding. Winter sports are different than summer sports because of the ice or snow factor. People who fall can gather up speed very easily, and with increased speed comes more forceful crashes. When a person crashes head first, there is a very real possibility of experiencing a neck or head injury. Helmets can help to protect you from these injuries.

Stretch before and after athletic activities. It has been my experience that many people who play winter sports understand the value of stretching before their activity but forego stretching afterwards. While that might be because of the smell of the locker room or the cold temperatures outside, it is very important to stretch muscles that have been working out. Hockey and downhill skiing are sports of anaerobic activity -- intense activity for short periods of time. As muscles get exercised, the muscle fibres shorten to generate movement and they need to be stretched out to maintain their original length. This is important for anyone who is playing hockey, downhill or cross-country skiing or ice-skating.

Think first, play later. Plan your route when sledding to avoid big rocks and areas that have lots of trees. Avoid areas of the ski hill that are more challenging than your ability. When skating outdoors, especially on lakes or ponds, skate in areas where the ice has been cleared to avoid deep cracks or ruts. Cross-country ski on designated trails to steer clear of unforeseen dangers.

If you do injure yourself and you suspect that you have a concussion, see your medical doctor or go to the emergency ward. If your injury is not severe and you are suffering from neck or back pain, consult with a chiropractor. We are able to help people reduce the pain that they feel from problems in the spine or any other joint in the body. The sooner after an injury that you seek treatment, the greater your chances of immediate improvement.

Dr. Beingessner is currently practicing at the Memorial Square Chiropractic and Massage Clinic. If you have questions or comments, she can be reached at 273-5653. To find the Chiropractor closest to you, consult your Yellow Pages under the heading “Chiropractor”, or visit www.albertachiro.com