Does it Hurt to Get Adjusted

Sports injuries, these days are not just limited to professional athletes or kids who participate in school sports programs. Everyday, men and women of all ages are committed to regular sports and fitness activities. Many people of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. Despite the activity,though, there is constantly the risk of injury.

The majority of injuries can be put into two classifications: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.

Traumatic Injuries

These injuries create 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 commonplace, however the trauma of fractures and dislocations often occurs in contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is harm to ligaments.  Sprains and strains generally 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 very serious.

A traumatic injury may be relatively slight, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be very serious and require surgery. It is based upon the degree of tearing of the tissues, the location, and the age of the person. Some degree of swelling occurs with most sprains and strains. However, with certain injuries, particularly those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. With all strains and sprains proper management is vital, especially during the initial stages of the injury to assure proper healing and protect against future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.

If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until aid is attainable, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P    Protect injury to avoid further damage
R    Rest the injured area
I     Ice injury to diminish swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, especially when the damage is to ankles and knees

Of course it is necessary to get the injury professionally assessed by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to determine the degree of damage. Nearly all of these injuries can recover, though they do demand appropriate care during the various stages of healing. 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. Expert care of your sports injury by a chiropractor with years of experience in sports injury management will insure that your injury recovers properly. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.

Repetitive Stress, or Overuse, Injuries

These injuries are becoming more and more common, especially among individuals pursuing sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that necessitates the same activity over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can generate such afflictions.

Repetitious activity can often create a very small strain to tissues, especially tendons and muscles. Nevertheless, it is the accumulative effects of the repetition that produces the more serious problem.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most frequent classes of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability concomitant with carpal tunnel problems occurs over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue undergo changes that no longer permit correct function. Certain factors predispose a person to these sorts of injury. A portion are “intrinsic,” i.e., the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” which is to say that the factors are external and can often be changed or controlled by the individual.

Some of the most widespread intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that individual to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. There are those who are born with joint or muscle problems. And, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning correctly.

Extrinsic factors for injury

There are plenty of extrinsic injury factors.  An inappropriate grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all instances of faulty sports equipment that can produce problems. Improper technique in any sport, such as an awkward golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen Another factor is poor conditioning. Quite a few people are injured because they aren’t in shape. Increased frequency or extended duration of an activity, without developing slowly, can produce the circumstances for injury. Insufficient flexibility can create injury if an individual is too stiff to do an activity properly. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and appropriate preparation, is a common factor in injuries.  And, finally, and maybe surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can cause tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.

There are quite a few factors that are extrinsic and, hence, within a person’s control. However, most people need assessment 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 stop a person from participating in a favorite activity, but can greatly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is frequently required 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.