Just recently, L.A. Lakers bowed out to Chris Paul’s Phoenix Suns. And as the NBA is one of America’s most-watched sport export to the world, the world seemed stunned that last year’s NBA Champion could be taken out unceremoniously in the first round of the playoffs. Where’s the superstar called LeBron James? What did he do? And how about his 2.08 m 28-year-old sidekick who helped him deliver the championship last year? Where was Anthony Davis? You bet they were there. But one thing has sidelined their skills: injury.
Had James not have a high ankle sprain and Davis not have an Achilles injury, the Lakers may have a legitimate run to the top. But that’s wishful thinking now that all is done. Injury indeed is a common refrain in sports. What’s worse is there are injuries that could end an athlete’s career or ruin a sportsman’s life.
One of the most devastating is spine injuries. The story of Devonte Holloman who was a promising football player from the University of South Carolina is one such example. His career with the Dallas Cowboys ended before it even began.
The good news is spine and back injuries can be prevented. With expert care, you should be able to skip the hospital visit altogether and still live a sportsman’s life worth every bit of your time.
Why a Healthy Spine is Essential?
It isn’t just a set of bones to allow you to twist and turn. The spine holds your back in place. For, it holds the rib cage that holds your heart and lungs and serves as thoracic protection in place. Thus, if your back loses its balance, your full body functioning also is compromised as it contains vital organs.
What’s more, your spine is a message carrier. Along with the brain, the lumbar column is part of the Central Nervous System or CNS. So as part of the body’s CNS, the spine sends messages back and forth from the brain. Thus, if an athlete’s spine is compromised not only is he unable to make the most of his body but also he loses touch with his mental capacity. When the spine is unable to send messages to and fro the brain, the body can’t operate properly.
When you want to put the best performance on the line, you need a healthy back. Without a healthy backbone, running and jumping can be a challenge. That means competing would be next to impossible.
What are the Signs Your Back Needs Help
Well, to boot, your body will send distress signals when your back is not in its best form. That’s for sure. Another way you can determine if your back needs alignment is to visit a reliable chiropractor. These professionals are trained to keep your spinal column in place without having to recourse to surgery.
Moreover, here is a slew of signs your body is telling you your spine needs attention:
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Overall body stiffness
- Recurrent headaches
- Constant illness (immune system down)
- Fatigue
Surgery should be the last resort for spinal problems. Oftentimes, athletes rush themselves to the hospital when a local chiropractor can straighten things non-invasively.
How to Prevent Spine Injuries in Sports?
Most, if not all, spine injuries are largely preventable. Being mindful of what you do when engaging in sports plays therefore a huge role in your game plan to contain such mishaps. Some of the most common ones are:
- The first rule of thumb is to never play without first doing stretching exercises. When you do, your body becomes more pliable, decreasing your risk for injury in the process. Think of your body as you would a car’s engine. You don’t turn on your car and go especially if the weather is cold. Even if new cars now are fuel-injected, a minute or two of warm-up can go a long way to prime your car.
- Moreover, always engage in sports in proper gear. That’s because sportswear is designed to allow your body to move freely when competing.
- If you’re in evident pain, make sure you excuse yourself before you worsen your situation. Not removing yourself from the field can put you in harm’s way when other athletes are out to best you.
- It’s important you maintain strength and conditioning. So in your off days when you’re not playing, take time to exercise and engage in strength training. Lifting weights can be a great way to get this done.
- Allow your body time off so it can rest and recuperate from heavy use during sports events.
It’s important you hydrate before you engage in practice or in actual sports. When you’re done, make sure you take time to cool down. This allows the body to stabilize itself. When that happens, your heart and body temperature returns to their normal ranges.
You might find all these tedious. Come to think, however, they’re a small price to pay to be in your best form all the time.
Meta title:Sports and Health: Keeping Your Spine and Back Healthy Without Surgery
meta desc: Sports are always competitive. And because of that, you could put your spine and back in harm’s way. It’s important therefore that you observe proper decorum so as to prevent unwanted injuries. Read on to find out how to do so without having to resort to surgery.