As the days get colder and the nights get darker, the winter season is officially upon us. While winter brings festive cheer and fun activities, it can also lead to an increased risk of back injuries. Back pain is a common problem throughout the year, but during winter, the colder weather can cause existing back pain to worsen and can even lead to new injuries.

If you’ve sustained any mild back injuries this winter, come visit the experienced team of medical providers at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Saddle Rock. Emergency injuries or chronic pain should be treated in the ER, however, our walk-in clinic can treat all acute conditions. Continue reading to learn more about how to prevent hurting your back this winter.

When are back injuries most common in the winter?

With shorter days and colder nights, it’s more likely that we are more inactive compared to the warmer months. Being less active can inevitably lead to stiff muscles and joints. This can undoubtedly be felt in the back, leading to back pain and injuries. Additionally, snow and ice is slippery, which can lead to slips and falls.

• Shoveling your driveway
• Hanging up Christmas decorations or lights
• Spending prolonged hours in the cold
• Participating in high-risk activities, like skiing or snowboarding
• Exercising outside on icy paths

Tips to Avoid Hurting Your Back

To help prevent back injuries this winter, there are a few valuable tips to consider. For one, it’s important to wear the right clothing. Wearing layered clothing can help keep you warm and prevent the muscles in your back from tightening up in the cold. It’s also important to wear supportive shoes to help prevent your back from taking on too much strain. 

Furthermore, try to get as much regular exercise as possible to keep your back strong and flexible. While it can be tempting to stay indoors during the cold winter months, it’s important to stay active. Try taking a walk around the block or doing some stretching. If you’re preparing to shovel your driveway, a dynamic warm-up can help to prevent any potential pain from worsening. 

When to Seek Medical Attention

If back pain is troubling you this winter, consider seeking the appropriate medical care if necessary. Acute injuries like slips and falls can be comprehensively treated at urgent care centers, a great option for convenient, affordable, and quick care. Medical providers can help patients get a speedy recovery at AFC Aurora Saddle Rock. Sometimes back pain may seem like no big deal. However, for some groups of people, it may be crucial to be properly examined in order to decrease the risk of the pain turning chronic. 

When you visit AFC Urgent Care Aurora Saddle Rock, our healthcare providers can examine your condition and discuss the best plan toward recovery. Treatment can include over-the-counter pain medication or a conversation about lifestyle adjustments or physical therapy. The clinic is also equipped with digital x-rays on-site, meaning you won’t have to leave the facility if imaging is required.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Aurora Saddle Rock for Acute Injury Care

This winter, visit AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock to have your acute injuries diagnosed and treated on a walk-in basis. The clinic is open seven days a week, with walk-in visits always welcomed. We accept most major health insurances and offer low costs for our self-paying patients. For more information on preventing back injuries, or other urgent care services we provide, please call us directly at (303) 660-9700.