Chiropractic Care for Runners: Is Pain Relief Possible?
As a runner, you are likely to experience some aches and pains along your running journey. Running can be great for your health and body, but it can also cause a little wear and tear on your joints. Long term runners know that most aches and pains are worth the runner’s high, but does that mean you’re doomed to live in pain if you want to keep up the pace? If you don’t want to give up the running, but would certainly like to give up some of the pain, here are some great options for handling a few of the negative side effects of running.
Heat and Ice
Using heat or ice (or both) can ease some of the aches that come along with running. Sometimes, the force of the body hitting the ground can cause inflammation in the joints. This is where heat and ice come into play. Both heat and ice can help to ease the inflammation, which in turn, eases the pain. Heat also promotes healing by bringing blood to the afflicted area. You can use one or the other to help with the pain, or you can alternate for maximum results.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Medication like Tylenol or Ibuprofen can do wonders for relieving pain caused by running. These types of medications also help to reduce inflammation, much like ice and heat. They also serve as fever reducers and general pain relievers. If you need an occasional over-the-counter, these can prove beneficial, but if you find yourself medicating all day every day, you might want to seek another treatment option. Not only can your body learn resistance to medication used often, but it can also prove damaging to organs.
Chiropractic Care
More and more serious runners are receiving pain relief and management from the help of a chiropractor. Chiropractic care has proven beneficial in the relief of many runners. A chiropractor performs spinal manipulation in order to align the spine properly. This alignment may be able to eliminate pain in multiple areas of the body including back, neck, and joint pain. Proper alignment of the spine ultimately means a properly functioning central nervous system, and for many people, a healthier, stronger, more fit body.
If you think a chiropractor may be able to help with your running pain, chiropractors at The Joint may be able to help you get started. With walk in appointments and low affordable pricing, help may be as simple as running from the track to the office door. Getting some much needed pain relief from a chiropractor at The Joint may help you keep your running habit, keeping your body healthy and strong for years to come.
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