Are you engaged in serious sports competition, or are you an amateur athlete dedicated to your best physical condition possible? Either way, Glen Ellyn chiropractors, Dr. Mark Wesely and Dr. Michelle Wesley, recommend chiropractic care as a great way to treat and prevent sport-related injuries and to keep you healthy for your best performance.
Common Sports Injuries
The American Chiropractic Association states that approximately 20 percent of sport-related injuries involve the lower back (lumbar) and neck (cervical spine). This is particularly true with children. Lower back pain stems from repetitive motions such as those involved in:
- swimming
- tennis
- running
- skiing and golf
- weightlifting
Neck injuries come from contact sports such as soccer, football and hockey where the body is in motion and suddenly stops.
The resulting symptoms and conditions are well known:
- dizziness
- headache
- neck pain
- lower back pain
- shin splints (running)
- bruising
- herniated (bulging) discs
- knee pain
- inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis
Chiropractic and Sports Medicine
Dr. Mark Wesely and Dr. Michelle Wesely approach the care of athletes as they do with their other patients. An initial consultation includes a physical exam, including height, weight, postural analysis and spinal evaluation. They also take a complete medical, surgical and medication history. If the individual presents with an injury or pressing symptoms of pain or dysfunction, the doctor may order x-rays, an MRI or ultrasound imaging. Chiropractors also order other diagnostic tests such as blood work or urine analysis as needed.
Depending on findings, the doctor formulates a custom treatment plan for the patient. Many times it includes the signature chiropractic technique known as spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation relieves pressure on the back and other joints of the body and also places the spinal column back into correct alignment for optimal function. While this is a comfortable procedure and ultimately relieves pain, some soreness in the muscles results for a day or 2.
Your Glen Ellyn chiropractor also recommends appropriate lifestyle changes to keep the back functioning and allowing the injured area to heal. To avoid injury during any kind of exercise or sports, the staff at Wesely Family Chiropractic recommends:
- stretching and warming up before exercise
- wearing supportive shoes
- adequate hydration throughout the day
- a healthy diet
- wearing protective equipment as necessary
- being active every day, not just on weekends
Find Out More
Ultimately, the chiropractor wants to keep your spine, nerves, muscles and joints working in perfect harmony. A periodic spinal adjustment helps the amateur and professional athlete strong and active 24/7.
Contact Wesely Family Chiropractic for your personal consultation today. Phone (630) 790-3335.