Does it Hurt to Get Adjusted

In the past sports injuries were primarily limited to professional athletes, kids participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Now, more than ever, men and women of all ages are committed to regular sports and fitness activities. A large percentage of people participate in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Despite the activity, however, there is perpetually the risk of injury.

The majority of injuries can be divided into two primary types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the result of overuse or repetitive stress.

Traumatic Injuries

These injuries produce the debilitating problems often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most common, though the trauma of fractures and dislocations regularly occurs in contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is an injury to ligaments.  Sprains and strains most frequently occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and less generally in the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be involved, injury to the neck and low back can be quite serious.

A traumatic injury may be relatively mild, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be quite serious and require surgery. It is based upon the degree of tearing of the tissues, the area of the body, and the age of the person. The majority of sprains and strains are associated with some degree of swelling and on occasion with internal bleeding, in particular with injury to the ankles and knees. Strains and sprains demand competent attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to guarantee proper healing and protect against future disability. Treatment from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly expedient.

If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until help is attainable, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P    Protect injury to prevent more damage
R    Rest the injured area
I     Ice injury to decrease swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, expressly when dealing with ankles and knees

Of course it is necessary to get the injury appropriately examined by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to find out the extent of damage. When proper management is provided during the various stages of healing, the majority those who have suffered sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not carefully monitored and treated, a sprain or strain injury can result in persistent joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is educated in the treatment of sports injuries can deliver the proper advice and treatment you’ll require to insure that your injury will mendl in the best possible way. Call your Santa Barbara chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries

These injuries are becoming more widespread, especially among those involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that demands the same activity over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can produce such problems.

Repetitious activity can often cause a very small strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles. Nevertheless, it is the accumulative effects of the repetition that creates the more serious problem.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common kinds of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability coincidental with carpal tunnel problems takes place over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue develop changes that no longer allow normal function. Specific factors predispose a person to these kinds of injury. A few are “intrinsic,” meaning the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” i.e., that the factors are external and can often be changed or controlled by the sufferer.

Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostcommon intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that man or woman to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. Some people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, finally, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning properly.

Extrinsic factors for injury

Extrinsic factors are abundant.  For instance, sports equipment can faulty–a wrong grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are clear examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, like a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Inept technique in any sport, such as an incorrect golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen An additional factor is poor conditioning. A number of men and women are injured because they aren’t in shape. Increased frequency or lengthly duration of an activity, without easing slowly, can produce the setting for injury. Inadequate flexibility can produce injury if a person is too stiff to do an activity correctly. Warming up is essential prior to sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a widespread cause of injury.  And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can produce tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.

It is encouraging to remember that almost all factors are extrinsic and, hence, they are factors that can be individually managed. However, most people require evaluation by a qualified health care professional to establish their overall body health, the severity of injury, and the answer to the problem. If left untreated, an injury will not only prohibit someone from participating in a favorite activity, but can significantly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often necessary to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.

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