Sports Spine Specialist Chiropractic Team: Athletes strive to achieve their body’s maximum performance by participating in numerous training regimens consisting of strenuous exercises and physical activity and ensuring they meet all of their body’s nutritional requirements. Through proper fitness and nutrition, many individuals can condition themselves to excel in their specific sport. Our training programs are designed for athletes that look to gain a competitive edge in their sport.
We provide sport-specific services to help increase an athlete’s performance through mobility, strength, and endurance. Occasionally, however, the excess workouts can lead many to suffer injuries or develop underlying conditions. Dr. Alex Jimenez’s chronicle of articles for athletes displays in detail the many forms of complications affecting these professionals while focusing on the possible solutions and treatments to follow to achieve overall well-being.
Participating in any sports or physical activities strengthens the mind and body. But working out and engaging in these types of activities too much or without rest periods wears down the body. There is the feeling of a good workout with some sore muscles and achiness that lets you know the activity is working positively.
However, soreness can quickly lead to pain and further injury if ignored. The lower back is a common area of soreness after working out playing sports, and where muscle spasms, pulls, and pinches occur. Being able to distinguish between workout soreness and pain is critical for maintaining a healthy spine.
A constant-sore back or feelings of sharp pains is not normal. If there is a feeling of low back pain during or after a physical routine, stop and take a moment to examine the tingling, discomfort, or pain being experienced. If unsure if the soreness or pain is a cause for concern call or video conference with a chiropractor to discuss what is going on.
Physical activity and pain
Individuals participating in physical/sports activities have an increased risk of low back pain because of the consistent running, twisting, and jumping. Any of these movements place pressure on the spine along with the surrounding ligaments and muscles, which can lead to injury.
Repetitive twisting and turning, stresses the muscles around the spine, which can cause frequent muscle sprains. Running and jumping also wears down the vertebrae and discs. Impact activities can also cause injuries to the spine, nerve roots, and surrounding tissues. The most common back problems include:
Muscle sprains
Osteoarthritis
Bulging discs
Herniated discs
Sciatica
Fractures are less common but still pose a risk
Individuals should watch for achiness or stiffness that lasts longer than a few days and does not alleviate with ice or anti-inflammatory over the counter medication, or sharp pain that happens with specific movement/s, along with any pain, numbness, tingling that runs down the leg/s or to other areas should consult a medical professional.
Treatment and prevention
Maintaining the body’s health is critical. If the lower back begins to present discomfort or hurts, do not ignore it. Many will play through the pain when they should be taking a break. And ignoring any back pain could create new injuries or worsen the condition. Continued pressure on the back will worsen any strains or fractures and will hinder the body from healing properly.
Individuals tend to take on awkward/uncomfortable postures and move in awkward ways to avoid or compensate for the pain. This places added pressure in the wrong places and can cause/worsen an injury or condition. Pay attention to the pain. Try ice and heat therapy at home to see if it eases up. Using a foam roller or self-massage device can help if the back pain is muscular. However, if the pain is sharp, shooting, or does not go away, visit a chiropractor for diagnosis and treatment.
A chiropractor will conduct imaging tests and physical exams to identify the root cause. Once a diagnosis has been reached a treatment plan will be implemented through:
Massage
Stretches
Therapeutic exercises
Spinal adjustments
Health coaching
Visiting a chiropractic professional will improve the condition and strengthen the spine.
Fit Body Composition
Muscle recovery
When engaging in physical activity there is microscopic damage to the muscle cells. The stress and fatigue the body goes through during physical activity cause hormone and enzyme levels to fluctuate, increasing inflammation. This leads to:
Fat loss
Increased metabolism
Increased strength
Muscle growth
However, it happens through proper recovery. There are different types of recovery: immediate, short-term, and training.
Immediate recovery is the short time between movements. For example, when jogging, immediate recovery is the time between each stride.
Short-term is the time between sets of exercises. For example, the rest periods between exercise intervals.
Training recovery is the period between one workout session ending and the next beginning.
Research has shown that rest time is not a one size fits all. Everyone is different and therefore should consult a fitness trainer, or sports chiropractor and experiment with what feels right. For some individuals, 24 hours works. For others, it can be 48 or 72 hours to feel fully recovered. It depends on age, fitness level, physical activity intensity, diet, sleep, and more.
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Smith, Jo Armour et al. �Risk Factors Associated With Low Back Pain in Golfers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.��Sports health�vol. 10,6 (2018): 538-546. doi:10.1177/1941738118795425
Sedentary lifestyle prevention through chiropractic is highly recommended for seniors. With advanced age, the body’s muscles, bones, and spinal system begin to wear down and need to be maintained to retain their mobility and flexibility. Regular chiropractic adjustments are recommended as part of an active/fitness lifestyle for seniors and can help older individuals maintain optimal health.
Sedentary Lifestyle Prevention
Many seniors tend to reduce physical activity after reaching retirement age. Many individuals just want to kick back and relax. However, living too laid-back can impact overall health. A lack of exercise and physical activity can cause the muscles, cardiovascular system, and skeletal system to prematurely wear out. Living an active lifestyle will keep individuals at their best when retiring and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Pain Management
Chiropractic can help individuals realize their full potential. The chiropractic approach to achieving top health means treating the source of symptoms, and not just the symptoms. This helps maintain a high quality of life. Chiropractic sedentary prevention includes:
Adjustments
Adjustments to the body are the core of chiropractic. Adjustments are utilized to realign the spine that helps treat various nervous system-related conditions. These include subluxations, slipped discs, sciatica, nerve damage, and more. Adjustments also increase the immune system’s functionality. This is extremely beneficial for older individuals.
Nutritional Recommendations
Older individuals can benefit from a customized nutrition plan to help with any deficits in their diets. Often older individuals need more calcium to help fortify bone health. Chiropractors and health coaches can provide individuals with nutritional information needed to live a healthy life.
Exercise Program
An active lifestyle is an essential component of staying healthy. Chiropractors can provide individuals with specialized exercises that take into account their specific and specialized needs.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another component of chiropractic, as it helps enhance the adjustments.
Health Coaching
Health coaching can provide individuals with the tools necessary to take charge of their health. Counseling involves exercise recommendations, nutritional advice, healthy habits development, and more depending on the individual’s abilities.
Stay Moving
A sedentary lifestyle places an older individual’s spine in a compromised position. Older individuals have an increased risk of developing detrimental spinal conditions. Overexertion happens more easily in weakened bodies. The solution is to maintain physical activity with proper support. Chiropractic is designed to improve the whole-body. If you�re looking for sedentary prevention and the latest care approaches, contact us, we’re ready to help!
Chiropractic Shoulder Pain Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Hawk, Cheryl et al. �Best Practices for Chiropractic Care for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Consensus Update.��Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics�vol. 40,4 (2017): 217-229. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.02.001
Scar tissue if left untreated/unmanaged could lead to mobility and chronic pain issues. Individuals that are recovering from a traumatic injury often have issues brought on from scar tissue. Scar tissue build-up is part of the healing process but in some cases, the tissue build-up can create another set of health issues. Restricted mobility and range of motion and lack of flexibility can worsen over time.
Chiropractors are taught to consider the presence of scar tissue when performing adjustments. This is especially true for patients recovering from a traumatic injury. If left untreated it could affect:
Recovery progress
Treatment approaches
The capability of the individual to handle the treatment
The planning and execution for a chiropractic recovery strategy
Scar Tissue Breakdown
Scar tissue can be broken up, managed, and kept loose/relaxed through various chiropractic/physical therapy techniques, stretches, exercises, and diet adjustments. Breaking up scar tissue and keeping it relaxed is necessary to restore full movement and range of motion. A certain degree of scar tissue will remain to mark the wound, but the pliability and softness of these tissues can be treated. Chiropractors can implement several techniques to break down scar tissue.
Graston Technique
The Graston technique uses instrumentation for addressing scarring in soft-tissue areas like the legs, neck, and lower back. A chiropractor targets the thicker scar tissue areas gently breaking them down.
Instrument Adjustment
Using a pulsating instrument, chiropractors can target specific areas of scar tissue buildup. The instrument massages the areas to improve flexibility and reduce stress in the tissue.
Assisted Manipulation
The assisted manipulation technique soothes the area before performing manual adjustments. A chiropractor could use light oil for heat, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to loosen tension, or numbing gel/cream to soften any sensitivity.
Trigger point therapy
This therapy focuses on heavily scarred tissue areas, where there is substantial buildup. A chiropractor breaks down the scar tissue while continually testing the motion.
Therapeutic massage
Therapeutic massage is necessary with widespread scar tissue. It improves blood flow and gently stimulates scar tissue to improve movement and alleviate pain. These techniques and how they are applied depending on the individual and the amount of tissue build-up. For example, certain techniques work better for different situations like:
The Graston technique could help after surgery
Trigger point therapy can help when muscle spasms, and knots present
Therapeutic massage could be best suited for soft tissue scarrings, like whiplash or muscle strains
Adjustment Attention
Recent injuries that produce scar tissue can usually be felt while a chiropractor palpates the area, while radiological imaging shows scar tissue from past injuries. A chiropractor will take note of these areas when developing a treatment plan. Severe scar tissue will need special focus, which could mean a longer recovery. This is because the body could take longer to adjust to the adjustments being made. A thorough consultation and investigation will be performed/examined before any adjustments begin.
Chiropractic Massage Rehabilitation
References
Shin, Thuzar M, and Jeremy S Bordeaux. The role of massage in scar management: a literature review. Dermatologic surgery: official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] vol. 38,3 (2012): 414-23. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02201.x
Shoulder and arm pain can be debilitating, especially when there is no obvious cause or injury that needs to be treated. A rare condition known as brachial neuritiscan cause spasms along with pain down the arm, followed by numbness, tingling, and weakness. If not diagnosed and treated early, the symptoms can worsen with time. The pain experienced can be described as sharp, searing, and shooting. Brachial neuritis can be intense and disabling when it presents for hours and even days.
Utilizing a chiropractic approach, shoulder and spinal adjustments can provide relief and a faster healing/recovery from the inflammatory condition. Individuals experiencing shoulder, arm, and possible hand pain should consult with a chiropractor about a potential home and clinic treatment plan to improve their condition.
Medical History and Examination
The process of diagnosing brachial neuritis involves an individual’s medical history and physical exam. More complicated cases could require imaging studies and electrodiagnostic tests. The first steps in diagnosing the cause of shoulder and/or arm pain include:
Medical history
Information will be collected on an individual’s:
Medical history
Family history
Underlying conditions
Recent illnesses or injuries
Lifestyle habits
How and when symptoms began
Current symptoms
Physical examination
A chiropractor will palpate or inspect by feeling the neck, shoulder, and arm for irregularities. Then they will examine the range of motion, strength, and reflexes. If the individual’s history and physical exam suggest that the cause could be brachial neuritis or other condition involving the nerves, imaging studies, and diagnostic tests could be required to evaluate further.
Symptoms of Brachial Neuritis
The condition is also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome. It affects the brachial plexus, a set of nerves that run from the neck and upper back to the shoulders. The condition usually affects only one side of the body and presents randomly.
What happens is the nerves become inflamed.
Inflammation can be triggered through an autoimmune response. This is often the result of an infection, surgical procedure, or other internal stressors. The inflammation can lead to severe debilitating shoulder pain over a few days.
This also leads to long-term numbness, weakness in the shoulder and arm.
The pain becomes worse with movement.
Typically, the pain goes away on its own within a few days.
Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the shoulder or arm continues.
Over time the symptoms begin to worsen and, if left untreated, could lead to muscular atrophy of the arm.
The pain and weakness can make it difficult to move the arm, leading to decreased strength.
Symptoms can last up to a year or more.
This is why individuals have to find ways to strengthen their shoulder/arm despite the condition.
Chiropractic Relief
Treatment requires a pain management program until the pain subsides. Once the pain is manageable, chiropractic, physical therapy, exercises, and stretches could improve mobility and strength. Chiropractic can provide relief and tools necessary to prevent the worsening of symptoms. Chiropractic helps to:
Reduces pain
Improves mobility
Restores strength
Chiropractic manipulation will ensure that the nerves near the brachial plexus do not become compressed, but if they are, then chiropractic can be utilized to decompress/release them. In addition, trigger point release and massage can help alleviate the tension in the surrounding tissues of the arm and shoulder.
A chiropractor will educate the individuals on effective pain management techniques for home, including ice/heat therapy and stretching exercises. These techniques will help restore the proper alignment and flow of the spinal vertebrae, nerves, and muscle tissues, allowing the body to heal quickly, naturally, and more effectively.
Chiropractic Shoulder Pain Treatment
References
Feinberg, Joseph H, and Jeffrey Radecki. Parsonage-turner syndrome. HSS journal: the musculoskeletal journal of Hospital for Special Surgery vol. 6,2 (2010): 199-205. doi:10.1007/s11420-010-9176-x
Belly dancing has been found to be an effective way to help individuals managing low back pain. It could be utilized as a part of a chiropractic treatment plan. The dancing is beneficial for improving posture and allows an individual to improve their fitness with a light form of aerobic exercise.
Regular physical activity/exercise and a healthy lifestyle go hand in hand. For individuals with spinal issues, the right stretches and exercises can make a difference in their quality of life. It increases:
Strength
Flexibility
Helps with pain management
Improves posture
Maintains spinal alignment
Belly dancing can help with injury recovery, as well as overall health. For most the trouble with exercising regularly is that it becomes routine and boring. Individuals want to live healthily, but it can be a challenge to maintain interest and motivation. An alternative form of physical activity that qualifies as exercise could be the answer.
Dancing has grown in popularity because of its fitness, flexibility, and spinal benefits. This form of belly dancing exercise does not require any special outfit or plenty of space. This utilizes the movements as a form of stretching and keeping the body moving in an aerobic fashion. They can be done at home with video instruction or an online class. Although the majority are women, men can and do belly dance.
Belly Dance
Information on the history of belly dancing. The dance has gone through various transformations since its inception. It was once considered burlesque entertainment, is now recognized as an important cultural expression, and today has been found to be a respected form of dance exercise.
Isometric exercises are contract specific muscles or groups of muscles. These types of exercise help with strength and stability enhancement. Both are vital for individuals recovering from back injuries or back pain management.
Posture
Dance posture is different than normal standing or sitting posture. Dance posture refers to the way an individual prepares/maintains their body to perform specific movements so that the motions are fluid, graceful, and with no presentation of pain. Belly dance posture maintains proper spinal alignment, which encourages reduced stress/pressure on the joints. This is beneficial for individuals managing back problems. The keys to spinal success are:
The knees should be slightly bent and not stiff so as not to pull/strain the lower back muscles
When the abdominal and back muscles maintain/support a straight spine, this alleviates stress on the low back. Lower back issues have shown a positive response to a belly dance exercise therapy program. A study looked at the effects of belly dancing on pain and function in women with chronic lower back pain. The study found that belly dancing made movements of the trunk and pelvis that are known to influence low back pain much easier.
A belly dance program in conjunction with a chiropractic or physical therapy treatment plan can help alleviate pain and improve function. A 45-minute belly dance routine/session promotes aerobic benefits, improves flexibility and core strength.
Core Strength
These are movements that train the muscles in the:
Pelvis
Abdomen
Hips
Low back
They help build strength, generate stability, protect against back pain, poor posture, and muscle injuries. Having core strength is crucial for individuals with back issues, as it increases the stabilization of the spine. Core strengthening is highly recommended and often prescribed for individuals recovering from lumbar issues.
Depression/Anxiety Improvement
Individuals with back pain also tend to experience psychological issues like depression and anxiety. Back pain can affect:
Mood
Tiredness
Sleep problems
Self-esteem problems
Belly dancing as part of a treatment/therapy program can help an individual experience benefits that improve mental health and well-being. These include:
Regaining mobility
Having a positive body image
Social interaction is enhanced
For All Ages
Belly dancing is a fantastic creative outlet and a great way to exercise. Anyone that is able can participate. Children, seniors, and everyone in between can get into belly dancing. It enhances health and strengthens the body and mind. When the body is in the proper position/posture there are no joint issues or pain. In-person classes, at home with online instruction, DVDs, or video meeting apps can benefit the body and especially the spine.
Life-Changing Orthotics
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Children and adolescents are experiencing back pain. Why it happens, and how parents can help prevent it is the objective. When thinking of back pain the image is typically a man or woman, hunched over grabbing their backs and wincing in pain. However, back pain in children and adolescents is not that uncommon.
According to a 2020 study published in Spine, around thirty-four percent of children report having back pain, with almost nine percentexperiencing severe back pain. By the time they are fifteen, 20 to 70% of children will have experienced back pain at some point. Developing chronic back pain increases with age and is more common in girls.
The study found those that sought out early treatment, physical therapy, and chiropractic being the most prescribed lessened the need for more invasive treatments, like spinal injections, and surgery. Back pain can have a major impact on an adult’s life, and more so on a child. Prevention and treatment are important to help restore overall health and wellness.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can vary, the most common:
Pain increases with movement, like bending or twisting
Increased pain after sitting or standing for an extended period
Sore and tender muscles around the spine
Tight muscles
Muscle spasms
Most back pain in children is mild. However, there are times when the child will require medical attention. A child should see a doctor if back pain persists for more than two or three days, if there is a fever, or if there is any numbness or weakness in the arms and legs.
Common Causes
Like adults, muscle sprains and strains are the most common cause of back pain. Strains are more common in the low back than around the neck or middle back and usually occur from overuse injuries, poor posture, poor body mechanics, and falls. Other common causes include:
Sitting and slouching in front of the computer for too long
Carrying an overloaded backpack
Spinal Conditions
Recreational and sports activities with injuries sustained are the most common causes of developing back pain. However, back pain can be brought on by underlying health and spine-related conditions. About a third of adolescents with low back pain could have a spinal condition. The most common conditions include:
Idiopathic Scoliosis
This is an abnormal curvature of the spine. This is usually not a painful condition. Some curvatures can be severe enough to cause pain and require medical care. Scoliosis can include the middle, low spine, or the entire spine. It is most common in adolescents 11-17 years of age. Symptoms include:
Tilted shoulders
Uneven hip bones
One side of the ribs projects out more than the other
Scheuermann�s kyphosis
This is a growth disorder of the vertebrae. It happens when the front of the spine does not grow as fast as the back of the spine. This can produce a humpback curvature. The spine bends forward but the child cannot stand up straight. Usually, it happens during accelerated growth periods.
Spondylolysis
The vertebrae can break in children and kids that do repetitive exercises involving bending and twisting. Sports like gymnastics and football create a heightened risk for spondylolysis. It usually affects the low back and presents with non-stop low back pain. The most common treatment is rest. Other causes include:
Spinal cord tumors
Sickle cell anemia
Infection
Tumors and infections are highly uncommon in children. They often present with pain and fever. If the nerves are pinched numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities can develop.
Common Treatments
Back pain in children is usually a short experience and can be treated with ice, rest, and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen for children and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. A playing/exercise program can significantly help reduce child back pain.
However, there could be a need to modify the activity, so as to not worsen the injury or create new injury/s. The activities could be made to be lighter or a brace could be utilized. A specialist like a chiropractor/physical therapist can provide treatment, along with exercises, stretches, and lifestyle changes that will help reduce the pain. Complementary therapies like massage and acupuncture can enhance the child�s healing/recovery time and knock out the pain quickly.
Parental Prevention
Proper posture can and will prevent back pain. Children’s and adolescents’ musculoskeletal structures continue to develop at this stage. Therefore, sitting, standing, and lifting properly is paramount to preventing back pain. Along with this is avoiding activities that place repeated strain on the spine. An example is an overexertion while playing sports. Tips for keeping kids back-pain free:
Avoid activities that generate repeated strain on the same muscles
Stretching breaks need to be incorporated when sitting for a long time
As much as possible make the home a stress-free environment
Maintain a healthy weight and diet with balanced meals and snacks
Help promote overall mental and physical health
Children and kids that are stressed out or depressed have a greater risk of developing back pain. Encourage the kids to stay active, get proper sleep, stretch out, and eat foods that are healthy for the spine. If back pain is presenting, a customized treatment plan along with lifestyle changes will get the child back to their favorite activities.
Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Weightlifting and chiropractic go hand in hand as a perfect team. Everyone in some way can utilize weightlifting, whether it’s for general exercise, strength training, rehabilitation, bodybuilding, looking and feeling good, spinal health matters. When the spine and the body’s central nervous system work in harmony, muscle function is at its optimum.
Many individuals consider health care to be a reactionary function. The proverb if it’s not broken, then don’t fix it, is an approach currently being applied to various health conditions. Only after an individual exhibits or feels ailment symptoms is when they’ll see a medical professional. Weightlifters are thought to be generally more in tune with their bodies. But they are no different in that many do not seek medical attention until symptoms present.
Bodybuilding involves lifting heavy weights while maintaining proper posture and balance. Weightlifters, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts know that balance includes a healthy diet and combining fitness training with a positive mindset. Individuals involved in exercise/fitness regimens know that the muscles need time to recover and build new tissue.
Weightlifters, athletes, and overall fitness enthusiasts are discovering chiropractic medicine and its benefits. Fear of the unknown is usually the biggest reason for people not seeing a chiropractor. But for athletes, weightlifters, etc., not seeing a chiropractor, they’re usually worried they will have to stop training/competing for a while. Whatever the reason/s for not seeing a chiropractor, here are five for seeing one that everybody and every bodybuilder should know.
Chiropractic Mind and Muscle
Distractions in weightlifting will almost always result in an injury. The mind and body need to be balanced when working out. Just adding more weight or doing more repetitions will not create the best bodybuilder. Professional weightlifters know that it’s not about working harder but working smarter. This is where chiropractic enters the picture.
All the body’s muscles connect to joints or the spine. The joints and spine must be properly aligned for the muscles to work in proper balance. In today�s world, it’s all about the quick fix. Whether it’s a pill for whatever or fast food, however, some things need time and proper care to flourish. Chiropractic and bodybuilding are two of those things.
A Spinal Shift Makes WeightLifting Harder
When the spine is not aligned, the muscles on one side of the body are forced to work harder than the other side. This is a perfect injury set-up. An example is doing bench presses with one foot firmly on the ground, with the other using only the toes. That is the picture when the spine is out of alignment. Working out with an uneven foundation opens the doors to injury/s.
A chiropractor can discuss the best bodybuilding routine that will get results, give diet/supplement recommendations, and advice on proper lifting techniques, as well as stretches and flexibility exercises. They see the changes in the body before any pain is felt. Based on this, they can decrease the potential for injury.
Minor Injuries Lead to Severe Injuries
Many weightlifters believe if they feel pain after a workout, it means it was a good workout and is considered a sign that the muscles worked to the maximum. However, this is not always true. Microtrauma injuries are not always detected because they can hide behind minor muscle pain after a heavy workout.
Microtrauma injuries are small tears in the connective tissue and the fibers of the muscle itself. These micro-tears can cause swelling that is not seen but can be felt. This type of trauma needs proper recovery time to heal. And if treatment is not sought out, it can increase the risk for severe injuries later. These include:
Ruptured ligaments
Joint function loss
Fractures
Bodybuilders who receive regular chiropractic adjustments also benefit from having one-on-one discussions about strength, diet, power, or pain they’re experiencing and get sound advice/recommendations. The chiropractor will know the difference and will know how to prevent further injury.
Weightlifting and Maximum Potential
Professional weightlifters understand that a combination of natural approaches and utilizing these resources will bring optimal results. Bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness lovers are utilizing chiropractic to stay healthy, fit, and aligned. It is a perfect team, fitness, and chiropractic.
Weightlifting makes the body stronger. This comes from the added stress on the bones, muscles, and joints, which causes them to adapt. However, there is also an added strain that can misalign the spine and pinch the nerves. Pinched nerves cause lower levels of muscle strength and the development of scar tissue. Individuals might not be aware as this condition does not always cause pain.
Chiropractic involves adjusting the spine back into its natural, proper position. This allows the muscles to achieve maximum potential. Protein supplements and powders can also help. Chiropractic relieves the stress that occurs from weightlifting and releases the subluxations. Regular chiropractic prevents injuries, helps injuries heal quickly, and allows for continued training with modifications depending on the patient’s case.
Alleviating Pain and Preventing Injury
The muscles function and perform based on the signals sent and received through the central nervous system. When an injury occurs to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other body areas, inflammation and swelling occur. Inflammation is not all bad and is a good sign that the body has been injured, needs attention, and deals with the injury.
But communication needs to be relayed for this to happen. When the joints in the spine are out of place or are not moving properly, the information can be scrambled or cut off. This can make it feel as if everything is fine, when there should be pain or when something hurts in one area when the pain is located in another area. Chiropractic restores function to joints, re-aligns the spine, and improves range of motion. This opens up the communication lines completely and allows the body to heal on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I go back to lifting? It depends on the individual case, but most go back to training the following day if there are no injuries. However, discuss the matter with a doctor.
Can a chiropractor adjust a big muscular individual? A chiropractor knows how to manipulate the body to don’t have to be stronger than the individual, no matter their size.
Can I adjust myself? Chiropractors are trained doctors that know where to apply specific movement and pressure to a joint that is causing problems.
Do I need chiropractic because my back doesn’t hurt? An individual does not have to be hurt to benefit from chiropractic. Chiropractic can be utilized to improve performance and as a preventative treatment.
Can chiropractic help with difficulty sleeping after workouts?Tension and stress, as well as tight muscles, are irritating to the central nervous system. Hot baths can help relax the muscles. Chiropractic helps release tension, relieve stress, leading to a better night’s sleep.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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