Sports, Children, and Chiropractic

In today’s age of health and fitness, more and more kids are involved in sporting activities.  Although being a part of a football, soccer or little league team is an important rite of passage for many kids, parents and their children could be overlooking the importance of proper nutrition and body conditioning needed for preventing injuries on and off the playing field.

As a child grows so does their musculoskeletal system.  This system is important in maintaining proper posture and keeping a healthy nervous system.  Disruptions to the musculoskeletal system can lead to injuries and pain later on in life.  A child in sports has a higher risk of injuring themselves and leaving a lasting impression on the musculoskeletal system.  An injury during a sporting event may not cause too many problems now, but if not corrected, can become a larger problem later on in life. Children in sports can offset their musculoskeletal system by falling, tripping, running into a teammate or opponent, or even just be doing a repetitive motion such as swinging a bat.  This offset can lead to muscle imbalances, which can turn into alterations of the spine such as: scoliosis, uneven leg lengths, uneven shoulders, forward head posture, etc.

Getting your children checked for musculoskeletal and spinal problems can help prevent muscle imbalances, spinal misalignments and injuries and pain. Chiropractic care can help a child’s developing musculoskeletal system stay healthy even when it is under strain from various sporting activities. 

Athletes of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care.  Spinal adjustments reduce the irritation of nerve roots between the vertebrae, shortening the healing time from minor injuries, improving performance. Athletes without nerve interference have faster muscle contractions, allowing them to move quicker and have more precise and accurate movements. Athletes in high impact sports see lowered risks for injury when under chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments increase range of motion and overall flexibility lowering the risk of sprains, strains and muscle injuries. Blood flow to muscles is also increased with regular chiropractic care allowing the body to function at a higher level for a longer period of time.

So, while you are cheering on the sideline as your child makes that amazing play, think about what you can do to help keep that smile on their face and injury free. Chiropractors are trained to treat the entire musculoskeletal system and can provide advice on sports training, nutrition and injury prevention to young athletes.  Ensure that your child can enjoy many years of fun filled activities, and as parents rest easy knowing your child is receiving great care to keep them injury free and continuing to develop without any issues.

~Dr. Ali