With New Hampshire entering the middle of winter, we need to be more careful than ever to avoid the chance of a slip and fall accident. Snow and ice can mix to transform sidewalks and streets into slippery safety hazards. Slip and falls, although avoidable, are one of the most frequent instigators of chronic pain. They can lead to disc herniations, spinal misalignment, and other painful conditions. With this in mind, we have provided some useful tips to keep your winter safe.
Walk Slow
Although many public employees spread salt to remove ice on public roads and pathways, they usually leave behind uneven patches. Pay attention to and walk carefully, even if it looks like someone recently shoveled snow or cleared the ice. Walking at a slower pace with shorter strides helps give you time to react to any possible slips or falls you may experience. If you see any handrails nearby you should make sure to take advantage of them.
Watch out for Black Ice
When a car starts skidding in the winter, black ice is normally the culprit. Black ice is clear, but it gets its name for how often it forms and blends in with the road’s darker pavement. Losing control of your car puts you at risk for an accident causing severe damage to your spine. Black ice is also a threat when you exit a vehicle, too. Many parking lots don’t receive salt treatments as often as busy streets, and drivers often don’t take this into consideration when taking their first steps out of a vehicle. If you are a pedestrian walking down the road that may have black ice, remain vigilant and aware of passing drivers.
Invest in Shoes With Traction
Winter is no time to wear sneakers, unless those sneakers were designed specifically for the snow. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends pedestrians to wear water-resistant boots, or shoes with rubber treads at the bottom. A helpful analogy is to think of your shoes as tires; those with real traction help prevent slips and sliding around. Once you walk into a building, remember to wipe the snow off the bottom of your shoes. Wet floors can be just as likely to cause a slip and fall accident so it’s crucial to remember this tip.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain this cold winter in New Hampshire, take as many preventative measures as you can to reduce the discomfort you feel. Contact us at Pain Specialty Group to connect with one of our expert chronic pain providers. It is never a wrong time to start a treatment to alleviate your pain.
