Chiropractors take a natural approach to helping people with drug-free healing and overall health. Their philosophy, that all health is connected to the health of the spine, is, to enjoy a pun, the backbone of chiropractic care. Chiropractors are trained in the adjustment of the spine, which then affects the rest of the body.
Back pain is not uncommon. Studies have shown that approximately 30 million Americans experience low-back pain; similar research estimates that about 80 percent of the population will experience a back problem at some point during their lives. Yet another report lists back pain as the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45. Thankfully, Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) treat over 27 million of these Americans every year. A chiropractor focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.
Although there are millions of people who are treated by Doctors of Chiropractic medicine, the practice is especially chosen by athletes. Chiropractors treat athletes for sports injuries, but also to help keep their bodies in alignment for better overall health and performance. A chiropractor for sports injuries or athletic chiropractor specializes in the treatment of athletes. Lately, it?s become common for major sports teams and athletes to keep a chiropractor on retainer during training and at events, so that they are on site to provide immediate attention. In fact, all 32 National Football League teams utilize chiropractor services in order to optimize the endurance and overall conditioning of professional football players in the treatment of football related injuries.
Of course, sports injuries depend on the sport. Most commonly, however, back and neck injuries, knee injuries, and spinal misalignment send athletes to the chiropractor for sports injuries. Some of the primary reasons for athletic injuries are failure to warm up properly, repetitive motions, overextension, and forceful impacts. Not only can athletes get treatment from a chiropractor for sports injuries, they can also learn more about how injuries happen and try to prevent them. The main reasons athletes suffer sports injuries include forceful impacts, repetitive motions, over-training and failure to warm up properly.
Symptoms that occur in relation to a sports or training injury include swelling and soreness, sharp pain, headaches and muscle spasms. These prevent a player from participating, obviously, and can also represent more serious problems. However, a recent study showed that injured workers are less likely to need back surgery if they have seen a chiropractor before the surgeon; the same can apply to athletes.
Although some of the benefits of a chiropractor have been discussed here, it?s important to point out a few more. Along with improved nerve communication in the body, there is better joint motion and physical coordination, leading to increased overall physical condition and performance. Better posture and long-term health are also benefits. Remember that it?s not necessary to wait until a sports injury or other accident causes pain; regular check-ups can help avoid injuries and help your body perform properly.
