Finding Help For My Back Problems

There are many fun activities that are popular during the summer which pose a significant threat of back and/or neck pain. Back injuries or pain can occur if you engage in activities that involve violent, unexpected movements of your neck and back. It can alsoy be the result of overuse from answering the call of the warm summer sun too often and trying to do many more physical activities than usual.

What are the most dangerous summer activities for your back?

Surfing or "boogie boarding"

Attempting to stay atop a surfboard or stand upright on a smaller "boogie board" can lead to a sudden wrenching of the back when a strong wave strikes the rider. 

Diving

Diving into pools or body of water can cause the spine to be twisted violently, resulting in muscle strain and possibly misalignment of the spinal vertebra.

Roller coasters

Roller coasters can present the danger of "whiplash" type injuries, such as in a car accident, in which the neck is violently flung back and forth. This can cause a myriad of side effects, such as blinding headaches, neck stiffness, and other maladies.

What type of benign activities can result in back pain? 

Hiking

Carrying a backpack over long distances and uneven terrain can cause strain to the muscles of the lower back and cumulative stress to the spine.

Running on the beach

Running in sand creates problems with balance that may lead to overcompensation and spinal injuries. Slipping while running in sand may also cause stress to the lower back and spine.

Treatment for back pain

Some back pain is caused by muscle strain, and can be relieved by a few days rest, with anti-inflammatory medicines and a heating pad to help to ease the pain. Heat should only be applied in 20 minute intervals. You must never lie atop a heating pad, only place it on the affected area.

Chiropractic care

If the pain is recurrent, or doesn't go away after a few days, your spinal vertebra may have been forced out of alignment. This can cause the spinal fluid to irritate the spinal nerves, causing pain in various areas of the back and/or neck. If pain is felt in the legs, buttocks, or feet, the sciatic nerve, which runs from the base of the spine to the feet, may be affected. 

A chiropractor will manually manipulate the spinal vertebra until they are realigned and the stress to the nerves is removed. Stiff muscles that may be keeping the vertebra from staying in alignment may also need to be stretched, requiring multiple treatments as needed.

It is important to keep the core muscles, which are the lower abdominal muscles, in shape to support the spine, particularly if you intend to engage in the some of the fun, but risky, activities of summer.

If you find yourself in need of a chiropractor, contact companies like Fick Chiropractic Centers Inc.