Connect Chiropractic know that colder temperatures bring ice, and the ice can be not-so-nice to our bodies.

If you're going to fall, how should you fall?

Dr. Jane Peterson says, "With it being slippery outside, we are seeing a lot of people who are having slips and falls on the ice."

Falling on an outstretched arm says Peterson, is not recommended. This can cause injury to more than just your arm. There can be injuries also sustained to your wrist, shoulder, and neck.

"If you're going down, no matter what, the best thing is to kind of roll into that fall so you are not just landing on your outstretched arm."

Weather-related arthritis

"Right now, we see a lot more achiness," says Dr. Trevor Clark.

This achiness can be attributed to arthritis and the drop in temperature. Clark says many people who suffer from arthritis think, "that's just the way it is," but that doesn't have to be the case.

Arthritis is an indication that there is an underlying problem. Calrk suggests gentle joint movements to relieve some pain.

"Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis," says Clark.

"Of course we can't completely make that cartilage like it is brand new again, but usually we can help someone get some sense of relief when they're suffering from a lot of that achiness and pain associated with the colder weather."

Low-impact vehicle collisions can have a big impact on your body

Icy conditions inevitably lead to a few fender-benders. Whiplash injuries are commonly seen at Connect Chiropractic during this season, says Clark.

Many people assume when they are involved in a lower velocity accident, where there is much damage to the vehicle, their body left the accident undamaged as well. 

Clark says, "All of a sudden they are having lower back pain or migraine headaches or something a month down the road because that they didn't have before.

"It's because, many times, there is no crumpling of the vehicle so it is almost worse for you because your body absorbs the impact of the accident."

A term that 'gets thrown around': whiplash

Whiplash, while commonly heard after an accident, is not commonly understood by many.

Peterson says, "Literally, it is your head being thrown back and forth at a high velocity."

In an event like a car crash, where you may experience whiplash, the joints, ligaments, and muscles in the neck experience a lot of pressure going back and forth.

Peterson says it may not be easy to detect your own whiplash systems right away.

"It's not always after the accident. A lot of time this can be months down the road that people start showing symptoms of neck pain, headaches, even pain into the shoulders after a whiplash accident."

Not a quick fix 

If you require care after a minor car accident, Clark says that after an initial exam  - which may include some x-rays - they will observe your range of motion.

"We want to start off very gently in the acute phase," he says. "Then we get into what is called a 'rehab phase' where we will also give them some stretches and strengthening exercises."

It can take anywhere between six to 12  weeks to properly realign your body.

Clark mentions your age might also be a factor in your recovery: "Depending on the person, of course, if you're younger you heal fast. If you're older, you tend to heal a little slower."