Chiropractic
Author: Jason Volstad - Chiropractor (B.Sc, DC)
Chiropractics are doctors who are specialized in diagnosing and treating injuries and conditions of the spine and its articulations as well as the rest of the joints and soft tissue of the body. Similar to Dentists and Optometrists, Chiropractors have 8 years of education but are not medical physicians.
Your back is made up of 24 vertebrae plus 3 more bones in the pelvis. Between each vertebra there are cartilage shock absorbers called discs. Each vertebra has 4 joints on it and when you add in the joints in the pelvis you have almost 100 joints altogether in the spine.
Your spine is in use in just about every activity you do. It protects your central nervous system (the wiring of your body) and provides the overall structure and support your body needs to move and be active. Snowboarding can be very hard on the spine and body and the spine needs to be working at optimal level for you to ride your best and enjoy your day.
Back pain predominantly comes from 3 sources (not including fractures, tumors, infections and other severe diseases). The pain can be produced by muscles/tendons/ligaments (the “soft tissue”), the joints or the discs. Many injuries may involve more than one of these components of the back.
Back pain that results from injury (for example a crash or impact) or from overuse can usually be treated effectively by a Chiropractor. Your first visit would consist of a consultation (talking about the problem), an exam to determine the nature and extent of the problem, and most likely a treatment and treatment plan. Depending on the nature of the problem it may only take a couple treatments to resolve it but more serious injuries may need several treatments and rehabilitation.
Most people will experience some back pain at some point in their life. Sometimes it can be difficult to know when it would be appropriate to consult a Chiropractor especially if you never have and have the normal apprehension that comes with doing something for the first time. Of course it goes without saying that the safest thing is to consult a Chiropractor (or medical doctor) about any pain but we can outline some basic guidelines. In most areas you do not need a referral to see a Chiropractor (in Australia you do not need a referral).
- Any sharp or stabbing pain should be investigated immediately. Sharp stabbing pains often are from torn or damaged structures.
- Severe restriction of range of motion. If you are unable to bend or put weight on the area that can indicate damage or severe injury.
- If the pain lasts more than 3 days even if it is mild or moderate, or if the pain is getting worse day by day.
- Any blow to the head, especially if headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion is present.
- Any numbness, tingling or pins and needles sensations.
This is by no means a complete list and if you think you need to consult a professional please do so. Many people think they should just tough it out through injury but that can lead to problems down the road and may impact your ability to snowboard in the future. You only have one body so take care of it!
If you think you should consult a Chiropractor and don’t know where to start you could look up the association in your area. Most states/provinces/territories will have an association that could be found by Googling “Chiropractic + your state/province/etc” or you could ask the people you know, chances are at least one of them has already had a positive experience with a Chiropractor.
If you have any questions, ask Jason on the Boardworld Forums.
