By Dr. Nash Anderson. B.Sc. M.Chiro. ICCSP. Chiropractor
As the winter season descends upon Canberra and we experience multiple subzero temperatures, we at Tuggeranong Chiropractic Centre and Tuggeranong Therapeutic Massage want to take a moment to discuss a common, yet often overlooked, hazard: black ice.
Black ice, a thin layer of ice on the road or pavement that is transparent and thus appears ‘black’ because of the road underneath, poses a significant risk to pedestrians. It’s especially prevalent during the early morning and late evening hours when temperatures are at their lowest.
The Risk of Falls
Falls on black ice can lead to a variety of injuries, from minor bruises and sprains to more severe injuries such as fractures and concussions. The sudden loss of control can also lead to awkward falls, potentially causing strains or sprains in the back, neck, or other parts of the body.
If you have reduced bone density or have had a significant fall, there is a risk you may have a fracture and a closer medical watch will be required. X-rays will likely be required, especially if pain is intense or continuing beyond 2 weeks.
Prevention is Key
Preventing falls on black ice begins with awareness. Be aware of the weather conditions and the potential for black ice formation, especially if temperatures are near or below freezing.
It’s also important to avoid areas that you know often have moisture on the ground, as these are prime spots for black ice to form.
Regardless of the conditions, it’s always a good idea to wear shoes with heavy treads for better traction.
Now is the chance to look down at your current shoes. Do you have tread on your shoes? If your shoes look like racing slicks with little to no tread left regardless of ice you should really either get rid of these shoes or have them resoled if possible. The risk of injury isn’t worth holding onto those shoes.
What to Do If You Fall
After a fall, it’s important to assess yourself for injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days later. If you experience pain, swelling, or difficulty moving, seek medical attention immediately.
Your Safety is Our Priority
If you have an appointment with us but are worried about your pathway being icy, please reschedule the appointment to a time when it is safe. It’s not worth having a fall on these icy mornings in Canberra. Our goal is to help you to be happy and healthy and your safe journey to our clinic is part of this.
Are you a falls risk in general?
Is every day life like walking on black ice? This is a concern. If you generally feel unsteady or unbalanced when walking and are at risk of falling make sure to notify us on your next visit and we can monitor this and communicate with your GP or you can bring this up with your GP directly. They may be able to refer you to a falls clinic for falls prevention strategies, assess your home for falls risks and make recommendations on how to keep you safe and prevent unnecessary injuries.
How We Can Help
At Tuggeranong Chiropractic Centre and Tuggeranong Therapeutic Massage, we’re here to help you recover from any injuries you may sustain from a fall. Our chiropractic services can help with sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries, while our therapeutic massage can aid in relieving pain and promoting healing. We do also have xrays onsite if there is doubt over an injury however in case of an emergency we recommend you either go to hospital or call an ambulance. We are not able to provide assistance in the event of an obvious fracture.
Remember, winter in Canberra can be beautiful, but it can also bring hazards like black ice. Stay safe, stay aware, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us on 6292 1092 or book online if you need help with managing aches and pains.
For more info: The ACT Goverment has provided a guide on black ice on the roads.
Otherwise you can read more of our blogs here.
