Staying Safe This Winter: Protecting Your Back from Snow and Ice

Hey everyone, it's Dr. Rod Schroeder from Wright Choice Chiropractic in Clarion. With that massive winter storm dumping 12 inches of snow on us just two days ago, I wanted to share some practical tips on staying safe out there.

After nearly 20 years as a chiropractor, I've seen too many winter-related injuries, especially to the spine and back. Slips on ice and heavy shoveling can lead to strains, herniated discs, or worse. Let's keep you upright and pain-free this season!

First, walking on snow and ice: It's all about balance and caution. Walk like a penguin: take short, flat-footed steps with your weight centered over your feet. (I have to remind Shannon of this every morning when we get to work!) This reduces the risk of slipping and jarring your spine. Avoid rushing; give yourself extra time to get places. If you do fall, try to roll with it rather than bracing stiffly, which can shock your back.

Proper footwear is key to preventing tumbles. Invest in boots with good traction, look for rubber soles with deep treads or add ice grippers for extra grip. Avoid smooth-soled shoes that turn sidewalks into skating rinks. This means keeping your white New Balances at home till the snow is gone! Supportive insoles can also help maintain proper posture, easing strain on your lower back during those snowy treks.

Now, shoveling or pushing heavy snow: This is a major culprit for back injuries. Bend at your knees and hips, not your waist, and lift with your legs. Use a lightweight, ergonomic shovel with a curved handle to minimize bending. Push snow instead of lifting when possible. It's easier on your spine. Take breaks every 15 minutes, and don't twist your body while throwing snow; pivot your feet instead. If you have back issues, consider a snow blower or asking for help, small town neighbors are awesome that way!

Remember, prevention is better than cure. Stay hydrated, warm up before heading out, and listen to your body. If you feel any twinges or pain after a snowy day, don't ignore it, call Shannon to schedule a check-up.

My wife and I are here to help you enjoy winter without the aches. Stay safe out there!

Navigating Surgery, Perimenopause & Wellness: My Personal Journey

If you’ve been in the clinic recently, you may know I’ve been on a bit of a health journey myself. This year brought a major chapter in my wellness story, a surgery and a deeper dive into understanding perimenopause and what it means for my long-term health. If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, I'll quickly fill you in. I recently took time off of work to undergo and recover from a hysterectomy . My care team and surgery team were amazing! They were knowledgeable, comforting and supportive. As someone who spends every day helping others on their path to better health, it felt important to be open about this part of my life too. You never know who could need to hear this! Sometimes we forget that healing, growth, and change are lifelong journeys, even for those of us who work in healthcare. Why I Chose to Share This Women’s health, especially midlife health, doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. There’s a lot of confusion, stigma, and “push through it” ...

A Husband & Chiropractor's Perspective On My Wife’s Hysterectomy And Perimenopause Journey

It’s one thing to support patients through major health experiences. It’s another thing entirely when it’s your spouse. Recently, my wife went through a hysterectomy, and even before that,she was experiencing the confusing and emotional rollercoaster that is perimenopause. As a chiropractor , I spend my days helping patients find natural, conservative care options whenever possible. Surgery is rarely the first recommendation in my world. So when it became clear my wife truly needed one, it was a big moment for both of us. And like many husbands, I wanted to help... but I also quickly realized I had a lot to learn. The First Step: Education (For Both of Us) When my wife’s nurse practitioner (read more about Shannon's care team in THIS BLOG POST ) suggested she read The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver , she shared that with me. And even though Shannon hadn’t read it yet , I bought the book and dove in. Why? Because I didn’t want to be ignorant. Times are changing, and so i...

A Warm Welcome From The Schroeders

We are thrilled to be launching this blog as a new way to connect, share, and communicate with our local community. Getting to Know the Schroeders For anyone who doesn't know us well yet, Rod and Shannon are celebrating nearly 30 years of marriage and are proud parents to a grown daughter, who graduated CGD almost 10 years ago! Our house is now home to our 12 year old Brittany Spaniel and 3 year old Tabby cat . Dr. Schroeder’s Journey to Chiropractic After graduating North East Hamilton High School, Rod attended Ellsworth Community College and Iowa State University while also serving in the Iowa Army National Guard . During his time in the Guard, he served as both a flight medic and helicopter crew chief. He completed his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa , graduating in 2007 . After building his skills for two years in a busy clinic in Minnesota, Dr. Schroeder and Shannon felt the call to return home to Iowa and open Wright Choice Chiroprac...

Wright Choice Chiropractic

Search This Blog