3 Tips to Help Your Athlete with Back Pain
By Virginia Laird
With high school football, volleyball, and cheer gearing up for what is sure to be an exciting season, there is much your athlete may need to do to prepare for the practices ahead. Many parents begin the season praying that their favorite player avoids injury. Research suggests that while many injuries cannot be avoided, there are some things that can be done to decrease the chances. Chiropractors have compiled a list of tips that your player can do to help keep themselves healthy and performing at their best throughout the season, including:
- Advise your athlete to stretch often
- Encourage plenty of sleep
- Consider routine chiropractic care
Advise Your Athlete to Stretch Often
Chiropractors advise those who want to prevent back pain and injury to stretch often. Light stretches in the morning and evening can help release tension in the spine. Other times, stretching can be necessary before exercising and any time there may be a tightness. There is no need to make these stretches yoga-style poses. Although yoga can be great for the back, light stretches can do the trick.
Encourage Plenty of Sleep
If you have an athlete who needs help preventing back pain, chiropractors advise it is imperative that he or she get plenty of sleep. While the body is asleep, it has the opportunity to repair itself. This can help when addressing pain. It is advised that the average adult get at least six hours of sleep each night. However, your child may require much more than this. If you are unsure how much sleep is recommended for your athlete, check this chart.
Consider Routine Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care has been proven time and again to help prevent injury and back pain. Professional athletes are turning to chiropractic care to help keep them going each week. If it is good enough for the pros, your athlete will know it is best for them as well. When you are ready to begin your athlete's back pain prevention plan, drop by The Joint Chiropractic after practice. With more than 400 locations nationwide, you are sure to find one near you.
Now get yourself ready to follow your team from one field (or court) to the next while you cheer on your favorite.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Diego, Calif.