The days are getting shorter and colder but staying active is important no matter the time of year. As we age, the need to be active gets even more critical for our overall health. Some of us may work on getting our steps in, while others who are more athletically inclined will participate in winter sports.
Although being active is important, when it comes to participating in sports, we must make sure we’re doing everything right to avoid injury. Sometimes, an injury can be inevitable, no matter how hard you try. So which winter sports are you most likely to get injured playing?
What Winter Sport Has the Most Injuries?
When we think of different types of winter sports, many of us may think of hockey as an example of one that you would be most prone to injury. However, it’s not the most dangerous winter sport, as the extensive padding that hockey players wear goes a long way to keeping players safe.
The winter sport that you’re most likely to get injured in is skiing, with a 27% chance on average. It makes sense when you consider that for skiers to be agile, they can’t wear the padding that a hockey player would. Also, most people only ski sporadically, meaning it might have been a while since they’ve practiced. That lack of practice can contribute to injuries.
Skiing downhill, especially at high speeds, has its own inherent risk that sports played on an even field don’t have. Similarly, snowboarding comes in a close second with a 25% chance of injury. Though, there are steps you can take to avoid skiing and snowboarding injuries. Ice skating, sledding, and ice hockey round out the rest of the top spots for winter sports with the highest risk of injury.
What Are the Most Common Winter Sports Injuries?
When analyzing different injuries that occur while participating in winter sports, head injuries are the most common, with nearly a quarter million injuries in 2019. Shoulder injuries came in second with more than 150,000. Wrist injuries come in third at more than 120,000, followed by knee injuries coming in at more than 110,000. Many of these injuries can result in spinal misalignment. If you’re already injured, the muscles you use to overcompensate for those injuries could cause spinal misalignment, causing chronic pain and discomfort with no end in sight.
Total Chiro Can Help Alleviate Your Back Pain This Winter
Sports-related injuries are a hazard any time of year. Still, many winter sports injuries can be related to slip and falls and motions that suddenly jerk your body, causing spinal misalignment. After a hospital visit and informing your insurance company, the experts at Total Chiropractic Care are well-trained and equipped to provide chiropractic care in response to sports-related injuries. Our treatments include spinal manipulation, exercises to do at home, lifestyle advice, and more. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait for the pain to impact your daily life. Contact us today to set up an appointment.