Ever been sidelined with an annoying injury when you’re just starting to hit your stride?
Yep, it’s the worst.
But, worry not, because when sports injuries strike, experts like Dr. Doerr from Bergen Chiropractic have got your back … and your knees, and your shoulders! With extensive knowledge of sports-related injuries and a comprehensive arsenal of treatment techniques, Dr. Doerr is just the person you need to get you off the bench and back in the game.
So, stick around as we dive deeper into some of the most common sports injuries, their causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how sports chiropractors come to the rescue!
Am I Susceptible to a Sports Injury?
Anybody is susceptible to a sports injury, whether you’re a pro athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone trying out a new physical activity. Certain risk factors increase your predisposition to both minor and more serious injuries, including:
Activity Type: High-intensity sports like football, basketball, or rugby often come with a higher risk of injury. But even lower-impact activities like jogging or swimming can lead to acute injuries.
Training and Preparation: Skipping warm-ups or cool-downs, not using proper gear, or not following good form or technique can all put you in the injury zone.
Fitness Level: Your body will protest if you’re out of shape and jump into an intense activity. It’s important to build up your fitness level gradually.
Age: Kids and teens are more prone to certain injuries because their bodies are still growing. Older adults may also have a higher risk due to decreased bone density and muscle flexibility.
Previous Injuries: Repeated injuries and partial recovery make you more susceptible to recurring issues.
6 Causes of Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are a common occurrence, whether you’re casually shooting hoops in the backyard or you’re running a marathon. While accidents can happen anytime, certain factors increase the likelihood of sports injuries:
Poor Training Practices: If you don’t warm up/cool down properly, if your form is off, or if you’re not using the right equipment, you’re setting yourself up for potential injuries.
Overdoing It: Going too hard, too fast, or too long can lead to overuse injuries. Your body needs time to recover and adapt to new levels of physical stress.
Being Out of Shape: Couch potatoes are never ready for intense physical activity. Start off with baby steps, slowly allowing your body to prepare for the upcoming physical stress.
Environment: Slippery or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, extreme weather conditions — they can all lead to injuries if you’re not careful.
Not Using Proper Gear: Whether it’s the right footwear, protective padding, or equipment suited to your size and ability level, appropriate gear is essential to preventing injuries.
Ignoring Fatigue or Pain: Not heeding your body’s signals is a risky move. If you’re feeling worn out or you’re in pain, it’s best to take a break. Playing through pain will only worsen an injury.
8 Common Symptoms of Sports Injuries
Getting sidelined is every athlete’s worst nightmare. That’s why you must learn to recognize the signs of an impending injury.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of sports injuries:
Pain: Sharp, persistent pain — anything different from the typical “feeling the burn” sensation — is a sign that something might be off.
Swelling: It’s normal to experience swelling right after an injury, but if it doesn’t recede after a few days or gets worse, it’s time to see a physician.
Limited Mobility: The inability to move a joint as far as usual might be a sign of an injury.
Weakness: Feeling unusually weak or unstable in a specific area, like your knee giving out when you’re running, can be a sign of an injury.
Visible Deformities: If something looks out of place (like a bone or joint), immediately seek out medical attention.
Numbness or Tingling: These can be signs of nerve damage.
Changes in Skin Color: If the skin around an area is red, blue, or looks different than usual, you might have an injury.
Tenderness: If an area is particularly sensitive to touch or pressure, it could be injured.
15 Most Common Sports Injuries
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis occurs when your Achilles tendon — the tough band of tissue connecting your calf muscle to your heel bone — gets irritated from too much running, jumping, or even walking. It’s like a nagging pain or stiffness in the back of your leg or just above your heel.
Runners experience Achilles tendinitis most often, especially if they exert themselves too hard or too quickly. Also, weekend athletes who suddenly want to relive their high school glory days can get hit with it.
The key is to gradually increase your activity level, warm up before you start, and listen to your body when it’s telling you it’s time to chill!
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is like the classic misstep of the sports world. It’s when you roll, twist or awkwardly land on your ankle causing the ligaments (those elastic bands of tissue that hold your ankle bones together) to stretch or tear.
You know you’re dealing with an ankle sprain when you get that sudden sharp pain, swelling, bruising, or even trouble walking.
Athletes are prone to it, especially if they play sports that involve jumping, running, or any quick change in direction. The good news is, most of the time, with a bit of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (for example, the RICE treatment), you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the superstar of sports injuries.
The ACL is one of the four main ligaments in your knee, playing a big role in keeping your knee stable. So, hearing about an ACL injury is about as fun as stepping on a Lego barefoot.
It often occurs when you’re making a sudden change in direction or landing a jump — think basketball or soccer. It feels like your knee just can’t hold you up anymore.
These injuries range from mild (a small tear) to severe (the ligament is torn completely or detached from the bone).
Broken Bones
A bone fracture is basically when the load on a bone is way heavier than what it can handle. It’s like if you pile too many books on a thin shelf, eventually, it will crack or break.
Bone fractures manifest themselves either as stress fractures (tiny cracks in the bone from overuse, like running marathons or dancing ballet on repeat) or as traumatic fractures (think about crashing on your bike or getting tackled hard during football practice).
Either way, it’s a bummer because it means rest and healing time, but it’s also your body’s sign that it needs a break!
Concussions
A concussion is essentially your brain getting shaken up inside your skull, often due to a hard hit or sudden jolt.
Think of your brain as a soft organ floating in fluid inside your hard skull. A blow to the head or even a swift whiplash-like movement can cause the brain to smack into the skull, resulting in a concussion.
Symptoms can range from headaches, dizziness, and confusion, to even loss of consciousness.
But here’s the kicker — symptoms might not show up immediately. So if you or a teammate takes a hard knock, it’s super important to immediately get checked out by a physician ASAP, even if you feel fine at first. After all, we’re talking about the brain here! Safety first, and playing sports comes second.
Golfer’s Elbow
A golfer’s elbow occurs when the tendons on the inside of your elbow get irritated or damaged, usually from overuse. Imagine the strain on your forearm when you’re doing a golf swing, throwing a baseball, or even just lifting weights — that’s the spot.
Despite its name, you don’t have to be a golfer to get it. It can be a real pain, literally, causing discomfort on the inner side of your elbow and sometimes even down your forearm. You might also notice weakness in your hand and wrist.
If you’ve got it, rest and ice are your best friends. Don’t forget to stretch and strengthen those muscles to prevent it from happening again!
Groin Pull
Groin pull is a sports injury you definitely want to dodge. Imagine the muscles of your inner thigh having a major disagreement with a sudden move you make, like a quick side-step, twist, or intense sprint. That’s what we call a groin pull or a groin strain.
This type of injury happens when those inner thigh muscles get stretched beyond their comfort zone. It may range from mild discomfort or an acute injury. If you feel a sudden sharp pain, weakness, or even a popping feeling in the groin area during your workout or game, you may have pulled your groin.
Rest and ice the area right after the injury, and if the pain sticks around, see a healthcare professional to get it sorted.
Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strains occur when you overstretch or tear the muscles along the back of your thigh. It’s a common sports injury, especially in activities that involve sprinting or jumping.
Ever seen a soccer or basketball player suddenly pull up and grab the back of their leg? Probably a hamstring strain.
You will typically feel a sudden sharp pain, and might even hear or feel a “pop”. It can put you on the bench for a bit, but with some rest, ice, and physical therapy, most people can get back in the game before too long!
Knee Sprain
A knee sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments in your knee gets overstretched or torn. In sports, this can happen with a hard hit, a bad landing, or a sudden twist.
You might experience pain, swelling, maybe even a popping sound at the time of the injury. Not to forget the instability — it might feel like your knee could give way when you put weight on it.
Don’t push through it, though! Rest up, put some ice on it, and see a physician if it doesn’t get better. They will recommend physical therapy or, in severe cases, surgery.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, or runner’s knee, is a fancy name for pain in the front of your knee and around your kneecap. It’s pretty common in people who love to run, jump, or squat a lot.
This condition often occurs because your kneecap is not sliding smoothly in the groove at the end of your thigh bone. The knee pain worsens when going up or down stairs, kneeling, or sitting with your knee bent for a long time.
Fortunately, with rest, physiotherapy and a few tweaks to your workout, athletes can effectively manage this condition!
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries occur when any of the four muscles and tendons that make up your rotator cuff are injured — the part of your shoulder that helps you lift and rotate your arm.
Athletes who do a lot of overhead action, like swimmers or baseball pitchers, are the ones who usually get hit with such injuries.
They can feel like a dull ache deep in your shoulder and might disturb your sleep, especially if you lie on the affected side. Even everyday things like combing your hair or putting on a shirt might even feel like you’re trying to win an Olympic gold medal.
It’s a real drag, but with some rest and the right treatment, it’s something you can bounce back from!
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries in athletes often happen due to a lot of repetitive, overhead motions. Think swimming, tennis, pitching in baseball — all of these can lead to shoulder issues. These injuries usually involve the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, rather than the bones.
Athletes are at risk for shoulder injuries like strains, sprains, dislocations, and conditions like rotator cuff injury or bursitis.
Symptoms include pain (especially when moving the shoulder), stiffness, swelling, and loss of mobility.
Sciatica
Sciatica is basically a pain party that your body throws, starting from your lower back and shooting down through your butt and legs. It’s caused by irritation or compression of your sciatic nerve, which runs all the way from your lower spine to your feet.
Athletes experience sciatica pain from heavy lifting, bending, or direct impact injuries. The pain can be quite sharp and even cause numbness or tingling.
Treatment often involves rest, physical therapy, and sometimes pain management. Most athletes feel better over time, but severe cases require more intensive care. Always good to get it checked out if you’re hurting!
Shin Splints
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, occur when your shins throw a fit after you’ve been running or jumping a lot. It’s this nagging pain along the inner part of your shinbone (the big bone on the front of your lower leg).
Shin splints are common, especially among runners, dancers, or folks in military training. Usually, it’s a sign that you’ve been overdoing it and your muscles, tendons, and bone tissue are under too much stress.
Giving your legs some well-deserved rest, icing the area, and doing some specific exercises often help calm things down. If the pain keeps hanging around, it’s best to get it checked out by a healthcare professional.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury among athletes. It’s basically a muscle strain injury usually caused by damage to the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow joint, leading to pain around the outside of the elbow.
Despite its name, it’s not just tennis players who get it. Anyone performing a lot of repetitive gripping activities, especially if they use the thumb and first two fingers, can develop tennis elbow.
How to Prevent Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can really put a damper on your fun, so it’s essential to take steps to avoid them.
Here’s what you can do to stay safe during games or practice:
Warm up before you start: Don’t go from 0 to 100 in a second! Your body needs a heads-up that you’re about to get active. A good warm-up includes light jogging, jumping jacks, or dynamic stretches.
Don’t skimp on the cool down: Just like you need to gear up before you start, it’s equally important to wind down when you finish.
Stretch, stretch, stretch: Flexibility is crucial in preventing injuries. Regularly stretching keeps your muscles loose and ready for action.
Gear up: Always use the right equipment for your sport. Whether it’s a helmet, shin guards, or the right shoes, every bit of equipment plays a role in keeping you safe.
Mix it up: Don’t overuse one set of muscles. Cross-training will keep all your muscles in shape and prevent overuse injuries.
Know your limits: Listen to your body! If something hurts, take a break.
Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water keeps your muscles hydrated and less prone to injury.
Get a physical: Regular check-ups can spot potential red flags before they become serious.
Learn the right technique: Especially for activities like lifting weights, proper form is critical to sports injury prevention.
Learn More About Sports Injury Prevention With Dr. Doerr!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic adjustments!
References
“Rice Method for Injuries (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/first-aid/rice-method-injuries. Accessed 30 July 2023.
If you’re dealing with a funky pelvic tilt and feeling like you’re out of alignment, check in with a pelvic tilt chiropractor. These skilled professionals can help get your hips back in the groove.
How, exactly?
Let’s explore the world of chiropractic care for pelvic tilt, as well as other DIY physical therapy approaches to bring everything back in alignment!
What is a Pelvic Tilt?
You know that bony structure sitting at the base of your spine, the one you’re probably sitting on right now? That’s your pelvis.
The term “pelvic tilt” refers to the orientation or alignment of the pelvic region in relation to the thigh bones.
Imagine your pelvis is a bowl of soup. In a perfect world, that bowl is nice and level, right? But sometimes, the front of your “bowl” dips forward, backward, or to one side, causing the 3 types of pelvic tilt.
The 3 Types of Pelvic Tilts
Anterior Pelvic Tilt
When dealing with an anterior pelvic tilt, the front of your pelvis drops, and the back of it lifts up. It’s like spilling the soup out the front of your bowl.
This misalignment can lead to a pronounced curve in your lower back (imagine a duck’s posture). Common signs of anterior pelvic tilt include tight hip flexors and a slightly bulging belly.
Posterior Pelvic Tilt
When dealing with a posterior pelvic tilt, the front of your pelvis rises, and the back drops. It’s like you’re trying not to spill your soup as you lean back in your chair.
Posterior pelvic tilts can result in a flattened lower back, as well as tight hamstrings and glutes.
Lateral Pelvic Tilt
Due to a lateral pelvic tilt, one hip is higher than the other, causing your pelvis to tilt sideways. Imagine tilting your soup bowl to one side.
This tilt can result in one leg appearing shorter than the other, throwing your whole body’s alignment off.
8 Most Common Causes of Pelvic Tilt
Poor Posture
Slouching isn’t just bad for your back — it can throw your pelvis out of whack, too. Spending a long time sitting or standing with poor posture can lead to a muscle imbalance and, voila, a tilted pelvis.
Sedentary Lifestyle
If your favorite position is couch potato, then your body might not be getting the movement it needs to preserve muscle balance. Inactive muscles can get tight or weak, causing an anterior or posterior pelvic tilt.
Exercise Imbalance
On the flip side, too much of a good thing can also lead to problems. If you’re overworking certain muscles while neglecting others during your workouts, you could end up with a muscle imbalance leading to a tilted pelvis.
Pregnancy
Carrying around a growing baby for nine months can put a lot of pressure on the pelvis. The added weight and shift in the body’s center of gravity can lead to an anterior pelvic tilt.
Obesity
Carrying around extra weight, especially in the belly area, pulls the pelvis forward, leading to an anterior tilt.
Injury or Surgery
Any injury or surgery affecting your range of motion can change the alignment of your pelvis.
Hip replacement surgery may indeed affect your pelvic alignment, at least temporarily.
During a hip replacement, the surgeon installs an artificial joint that may not exactly match the length or angle of your original hip. The new joint leads to a change in your body’s biomechanics, potentially leading to a tilted pelvis.
After a hip replacement, you’ll be taking it easy for a while, during which time certain muscles weaken from disuse, potentially causing a tilted pelvis. Furthermore, you might start favoring your non-operated leg while moving around, throwing your pelvis off-kilter.
7 Symptoms of a Tilted Pelvis
Lower back pain: The most noticeable symptom of pelvic instability. Your lower back will feel tense or sore, especially after a long day of standing or sitting.
Hip or knee pain: Your hips or knees will start acting up, too, because a tilted pelvis puts extra strain on these areas.
A noticeable difference in leg length: When your pelvis tilts, it can make one leg seem shorter than the other.
Stiffness or restricted movement: You might find it hard, awkward, or uncomfortable to move around as freely as before.
Changes in your posture: Anything from a protruding belly (even if you’re otherwise slim) to an overly curved or flat lower back.
Difficulty with certain activities: Things like running, squatting, or climbing stairs might become more challenging.
Weak or tight muscles: Depending on the type of tilt, some of your muscles (for example, your hip flexors or lower back muscles) may feel unusually tight, while others (your abdominal muscles or glutes) may seem weak or hard to engage.
How Do Chiropractors Correct a Pelvic Tilt?
Chiropractors are experts at manipulating the body to improve alignment, reduce pain, and increase function — all issues related to pelvic tilts.
First, your chiropractor will start with a thorough evaluation. They’ll check your posture and gait to figure out your sort of pelvic tilt, as well as what’s causing it.
Next, they’ll use an array of techniques to help correct the tilt:
One of the main chiropractic techniques is spinal adjustments or manipulations. These are quick, controlled movements aimed at realigning your spine and pelvis.
Your chiropractor will also teach you DIY exercises and stretches to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones — the key for maintaining proper alignment.
3 Exercises to Correct Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Exercise is an awesome way to strengthen and stretch the muscles behind an anterior pelvic tilt:
1. Bridges: Lie flat on your back, bend your knees, and keep your feet flat on the floor. Then, lift your hips off the floor while keeping your back straight. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down. Start with a few reps, and work your way up.
2. Planks: Everyone’s favorite! They’re tough, but excellent for core strength. Make sure you’re keeping your body straight like a plank of wood. No sagging or lifting your butt too high.
3. Hip flexor stretches: Your hip flexors are often tight if you have an anterior pelvic tilt. To stretch them, kneel on one knee, and push your hips forward. You should feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.
2. Hamstring stretches: You can do these stretches while standing or sitting. Just reach for your toes and keep your legs straight. You’ll feel a nice stretch in the back of your legs.
Dr. Doerr’s Chiropractic Adjustments Will Help Correct Your Pelvic Tilt!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic adjustments!
If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of ear infections, you know it’s no picnic. But, have you ever considered turning to chiropractic care for some pain relief, too?
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that can help address the symptoms of ear infections. It’s all about aligning the body in just the right way to boost its natural healing abilities.
In this case, we’re talking about relieving tension in the neck, promoting drainage from the ears, and potentially even supporting your immune system to fight off the nasty bugs causing the infection!
Consider how chiropractic care can help you as a handy sidekick in your battle against ear infections, offering an added boost to your body’s natural defenses. So, add chiropractic adjustments to your treatment approach, and give your body that extra fighting power it deserves!
What is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection occurs when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear (that is, the ear part just behind the eardrum). This section of your ear acts as a tiny echo chamber packed with lots of small parts that vibrate to create sound. But when an infection sets in, it can lead to fluid build-up, inflammation, and pain.
Most ear infections clear up on their own. If, however, that ear pain lingers or the infection keeps popping back, it’s time to consult a doctor. They will prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to kick that infection to the curb.
Who is More Predisposed to Ear Infections?
Anyone can get an ear infection, but some people do have a higher chance of getting one. Here’s the “usual suspect” list:
Kids: Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults. Their immune systems are still developing, and their Eustachian tubes (that is, the tiny tunnels connecting the middle ear to the upper throat) are smaller and more level, which means they can get clogged with fluid more easily. Plus, they’re often around other kids with colds, flu, and all sorts of germs at daycare or school.
Bottle-fed babies: Babies who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, have a higher risk of ear infections than their breastfed counterparts.
People with allergies: But don’t worry, adults aren’t off the hook either. Allergies, sinus infections, and even changes in altitude (like when you’re on that awesome mountain hike) can block the Eustachian tubes in grown-ups, leading to a middle ear infection.
Frequent cold and sinus sufferers: If you’re someone who often catches a cold or battles with sinus infections, you’re also on the ‘more likely’ list. Colds and sinus infections can block the Eustachian tubes and create a nice, warm, moist environment that bacteria and viruses love.
People with weakened immune systems: This includes people undergoing certain medical treatments like chemotherapy or with conditions that lower the body’s defenses.
Smokers (and those exposed to second-hand smoke): Smoke can mess with the function of the Eustachian tubes and also irritate the tiny ear hairs keeping germs and bacteria at bay.
The Four Types of Ear Infections
Otitis Media: This is basically doctor-speak for a middle ear infection. It happens when the area behind your eardrum gets all inflamed and filled with fluid. It is a common condition in children, although it can also occur in adults. Middle ear infections can either be acute (they come on quickly, with nasty symptoms) or chronic (they’re long-lasting or keep recurring).
Otitis Externa: Also known as “swimmer’s ear“, otitis externa occurs when the ear canal becomes inflamed, usually due to water hanging out in there for too long. It’s not as common as a middle ear infection but can be a real pain when it happens.
Otitis Media with Effusion: It occurs when fluid sticks around or fills the middle ear, but without any bacterial or viral infection (and usually without symptoms). It often follows an acute infection episode.
Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: It’s a long-term middle ear infection that can result in a persistent or recurring discharge from the ear. If untreated, it can potentially lead to hearing loss.
What are the Symptoms of Ear Infections?
If you’ve got a middle ear infection, you will notice pressure in your ear — like when you’re underwater or wearing earmuffs — potentially leading to a dull pain or a throbbing ache. Children with this type of infection can be extra fussy, have trouble hearing or balancing, or even get a fever.
An outer ear infection can cause your ear to feel itchy or even painful when you touch or tug on the earlobe. It could also lead to a bit of drainage. Don’t be surprised if things sound a bit muffled or if your ear feels full.
Last but not least, if you’ve got a more serious type of ear infection such as chronic suppurative otitis media, you might notice a persistent discharge from your ear, often accompanied by a fever, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and a decreased ability to hear.
Can Regular Chiropractic Adjustments Help With Ear Infections?
Chiropractic adjustments, especially those in the upper neck, have a significant impact on the nervous system. When your spine is in proper alignment, your nervous system can work more effectively, thus boosting your immune response. With a more efficient immune system, your body might be better equipped to decrease ear infections!
Another part of this puzzle involves the Eustachian tubes, which sometimes become clogged up, especially in children, leading to fluid buildup in the ear. Chiropractic adjustments relax the muscles around the Eustachian tubes, helping them drain more effectively and thus reducing the chances of an infection.
The connection between chiropractic and ear infections has already been scientifically established decades ago. A 1996 study conducted on forty-six children aged five and under found that combining routine chiropractic care with conventional medical treatment alleviated the symptoms of ear infections in 93% of the cases!!
However, while chiropractic adjustments help treat ear infections, they don’t replace the traditional medical treatments. If you’re considering a chiropractic approach to your ear infection, definitely talk it over with your healthcare provider first.
Ready to Deal With Your Ear Infection? Dr. Doerr Can Help!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere. Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic treatment services! Our chiropractic offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD, areas. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic treatments!
“Ear Infections.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 Apr. 2022, www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi/ear-infections.html. Accessed 4 June 2023.
“Ear Infections.” Paediatrics & Child Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2786955. Accessed 4 June 2023.
RM, Froehle. “Ear Infection: A Retrospective Study Examining Improvement from Chiropractic Care and Analyzing for Influencing Factors.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8728460. Accessed 4 June 2023.
Have you ever dealt with the pesky problem of a pulled muscle? It’s a real pain, right? But fear not, because chiropractors are here to save the day!
Chiropractic care is not just about cracking backs – it can also help with pulled muscles, easing your discomfort, providing pain relief, and getting you back on your feet in no time!
And who better to guide you on this journey to recovery than our very own Dr. Greg Doerr from Bergen Chiropractic? He’s got the knowledge, the skills, and the passion to get you back to feeling your best.
So, sit tight and read on to learn how chiropractors can help with pulled muscles and how Dr. Doerr is ready to assist you in your path to recovery!
How Do We Define a Pulled Muscle?
A pulled muscle, also known as a muscle strain, basically occurs when your muscle gets overstretched or torn. It’s like when you stretch a rubber band too far and it snaps — though not quite as dramatic.
You know that feeling when you’re lifting something heavy or running really fast, and suddenly you feel a sharp pain that makes you stop in your tracks? That’s probably a pulled muscle. It happens because your muscle gets overloaded or it’s been used too much without enough rest.
Our muscles are pretty sturdy and can take significant amounts of wear and tear. However, sometimes we push them a bit too hard, and that’s when a muscle strain happens.
If you think you’re dealing with a strained muscle, the best thing to do is rest — no heavy lifting or intense workouts for a while. Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers if it’s really bothering you.
If the muscle pain doesn’t get better after a few days, have it checked out by a doctor. They can make sure it’s nothing more serious and give you advice on how to heal faster.
What is the Root Cause of Pulled Muscles?
Pulled muscles usually occur when you’re asking a bit too much of your body. Imagine you’re lifting something way heavier than you’re used to or you suddenly dash off to catch the bus without warming up. Your muscles are like, “Whoa, what’s happening here?” and they can’t handle the sudden muscle strain, resulting in those little tears in your muscle fibers.
Slacking off on your training and then suddenly you jump back in full force is another recipe for pulled muscles. It’s like showing up for a marathon when you’ve only been training for a 5K. Your muscles need time to adapt to the level of activity you’re asking of them.
Also, let’s not forget about muscle fatigue. If your muscles are tired, they’re less able to properly support and protect your joints, increasing your risk of injury, including muscle strain. So, while it’s awesome to give it your all during a workout, it’s equally important to know when to rest and let your muscles recover.
Finally, the aging process increases your risk of muscle strains. As we age, our muscles lose flexibility and strength, making them more prone to injuries — an integral part of aging. That’s why it’s essential to stay active and keep those muscles strong and flexible, no matter your age.
To sum it up, pulled muscles often come down to a mix of overexertion, insufficient training, muscle fatigue, and sometimes just the natural process of aging. It’s all about listening to your body and not pushing it past its limits.
What are the Muscle Strain Symptoms?
How do you know if you’ve actually pulled a muscle or if you’re just really sore from that killer workout you did? Here’s the lowdown:
Pain and tenderness. If you’re pulling a muscle, you’ll feel a sharp pain right away. The area might also be tender to the touch. Think of it as your muscle’s SOS signal!
Limited movement. Having trouble moving that part of your body with a muscle strain? That’s another sign. Your muscle’s not in the mood to work right now, so it might feel stiff or weak.
Swelling. If the area starts puffing up, it’s probably because of increased blood flow as your body tries to heal the injury. It’s like your body’s own little repair team rushing to the site!
Bruising. Sometimes, a pulled muscle can cause bruising. This occurs when those tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in your muscle break and leak blood into the area.
Muscle spasms. Ever had a charley horse? Then you know what a muscle spasm feels like. If you’ve pulled a muscle, you might feel these sudden, involuntary muscle contractions.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Pulled Muscles?
When pulling a muscle, it’s not just the muscle itself that gets affected. The injury can also mess up your body’s alignment and the way you move. This is where chiropractic care comes into play!
Chiropractors are the body’s maintenance experts, keeping all the parts moving smoothly and in sync. If a pulled muscle is throwing you off balance, a chiropractor will help get things back in order. They provide adjustments to realign your spine and joints to reduce pain, relieve stress, and help the pulled muscle heal faster.
But that’s not all! Part of chiropractic treatment involves therapeutic exercises that strengthen the muscles and prevent future injuries. They also offer advice on posture and ergonomics to make sure you’re not putting unnecessary strain on your body during day-to-day activities.
Chiropractors often use techniques like massage or soft tissue therapy on the affected muscle. These techniques improve blood flow to the area, speed up the healing process, and reduce the risk of scar tissue formation.
What works best for you will depend on your medical history, specific injury, and overall health. But in general, chiropractic care will play a great role in your pulled muscle recovery!
How to Prevent Pulled Muscles in the Future
Preventing pulled muscles in the future comes down to taking care of your body. Warm up before you do any intense physical activity, so your muscles are ready to go. Take things slow, gradually increasing the intensity or duration of your workouts — no need to go from zero to sixty overnight!
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to keep your body in tip-top shape. And don’t forget about rest! Giving your body time to recover after a workout is super important to prevent injuries.
Finally, pay attention to your body. If something feels off, take a break. Pushing through the pain isn’t worth pulling a muscle. It’s better to take it easy than to be sidelined with an injury.
Dealing With a Pulled Muscle? Dr. Doerr is Here to Help!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere. Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic treatment services! Our chiropractic offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD, areas. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic treatments!
References
Wan, Jing-Jing, et al. “Muscle Fatigue: General Understanding and Treatment.” Experimental & Molecular Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 6 Oct. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5668469/. Accessed 11 May 2023.
Pietrangelo, Ann. “Muscle Strains: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 20 Apr. 2023, www.healthline.com/health/strains. Accessed 11 May 2023.
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