I have been very active my whole life, working out, running and other physically straining activities…when do I know I should see a chiropractor?
Pain is usually what brings people to our office. Low back pain, neck pain and headaches are the most common reasons to consult a chiropractor. Being musculoskeletal experts, chiropractors also can assess other muscle and joint complaints such as hip and knee problems, foot and overuse injuries of the shoulder.
Of course you do not have to wait until you are in pain to have a check up. For example, running on hard surfaces or uneven streets compresses your joints and can create imbalances and joint alignment problems. Over the years these imbalances cause degenerative changes to the joints that could be prevented with regular visits to your chiropractor. It is not uncommon for us to see formerly very fit athletes such as marathoners and triathletes suffering from advanced wear and tear in their neck and lower back. Everyone falls or crashes at times and few people stretch enough to compensate for posture strain at the computer or from sports.
Chiropractic adjustments to correct the imbalances, improve motion in tight joints and specific exercises for you can help you to stay fit and active. So although pain or an overuse injury may be what motivates you to seek chiropractic care, occasional check ups thereafter are beneficial to your athletic longevity and overall health.