| Even minor
injuries can have major consequences to the spinal bones and nervous
system. The reason is that outside forces from accidents overcome the
strength of the spine and cause bones of the spine to misalign causing
nerve irritation. Let’s learn how
specific summertime sports trigger vertebral subluxations and cause back
problems.
WATER SKIING
One of the most common injuries associates with water skiing are tears to
the hamstring muscles. A research study showed how water skiing novices
hurt their hamstrings (back of the thigh) by trying a submerged water take
off, extending their knees as the boat accelerates, causing the ski tips
to submerge, causing sudden deceleration of the legs as the body is pulled
forward, pulling the hamstrings. Also, holding onto the tow rope causes
neck, arm, shoulder and back problems.
AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES
Roller coasters and other body-jarring rides at amusement parks can create
a whiplash, just like what occurs in an automobile accident. The sudden
jerking of these rides cause the head to move in one way and the body to
move in the opposite direction, causing tears in the muscles and
ligaments. A 1996 study however, showed that of patients with chronic
whiplash syndrome who received chiropractic care, 93% improved.
BIKING
Generally, biking is safe, however children or beginners can injure
themselves on the handlebars. The injury of most concern is blunt
abdominal trauma to the spleen, liver, pancreas, kidneys or bowel. The
most important fact that researchers found was that lack of bruising was
not a reliable indication of injury. Also, be sure to wear protective
gear, especially a helmet.
For adults, the most important thing is
to warm up before biking and train for long rides, otherwise our muscles
will suffer. Padded gloves can help reduce carpal tunnel syndrome and
wrist problems.
CLIMBING
Whether you use an indoor facility or climb a real mountain, rock climbing
is a great workout. The most common injury, affecting approximately 50% of
climbers, involves the arms, shoulder and hands, especially the hand and
wrist. What helps is taping the fingers and weight training to increase
upper body strength.
SWIMMING
The most common injury during swimming is impingement of the shoulder,
caused by overuse or poor technique. The injury affects the rotator cuff
tendons. Swimming in lakes or rivers can mean diving in, and it is
important to know the depth of the water before jumping or diving in. The
cervical spine can be injured causing injury to the spinal cord and
paralysis.
Whatever your sport or recreation during
the summer, warm-up, train-up, and be moderate in your activities. If you
are injured and pain does not improve on its own within a few days, make
an appointment with your chiropractor for a spinal exanimation.
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