How Chiropractic Care Can Keep You on the Water

I am Amy Brothwell, a chiropractor based at Newquay chiropractic clinic. Growing up I competed nationally in swimming; I know firsthand how important it is to look after your body when pushed to its limits. Being an athlete myself it was inevitable that I would have an interest in helping manage aches and pains that occur when putting our bodies through so much, especially if we are still growing. 

Lower back pain is a common complaint in the rowing population, 2 out of 3 adult rowers will have lower back pain in a 12-month period compared to 1 out of 3 in non-rowers. This causes around 60% of rowers to miss at least 1 session of training. Below are some examples of lower back conditions other than muscular and joint dysfunctions common in rowers that can be managed with conservative care like Chiropractic. Untreated, these conditions may lead to chronic lower back pain.

Discogenic lower back pain 

Disc related pain can present with lower back pain and potential leg pain past the knee usually caused by heavy lifting, twisting or repetitive stress trauma. 

One small study revealed a significant incidence of degenerative or herniated lumbar discs in rowers with a mean age of 18 years. 95.2% of male rowers and 78.9% for female rowers had positive MRI results for disc herniated or degenerative disc disease. 

 Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis is a defect of the Pars intra-articularis and in most cases represents an overuse stress injury caused by repetitive loading of the lumbar spine. Pain is localised to the lateral midline of the lumbar spine, commonly without sciatica in rowers. Pain is exacerbated with hyperextension. 

This type of injury can progress to a Spondylolisthesis which is instability in the area and causes one vertebra to slip. This may be associated with sciatica.

Facet joint arthropathy 

This type of injury occurs because of aging and minor trauma. As a rower you may present with a vague lower back pain usually described as a dull, deep aching, referred to the base of your spine, buttocks and upper thighs.
Lower back pain usually presents itself due to poor postures, muscle imbalance and overuse. Improving the mobility of your hips and upper back and flexibility of your hamstrings can help you get into a more efficient position with rowing and decrease the risk of developing lower back pain.

What can chiropractic offer?

By focusing on the neuromusculoskeletal system, chiropractic care has emerged as a critical component of the healthcare management of athletes. It is a specialized approach that combines the principles of chiropractic care with an understanding of the unique demands placed on the bodies of athletes, thereby facilitating injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall performance enhancement. Several studies have found chiropractic care to be effective in treating common conditions seen in athletes, such as lower back pain, muscle strains, and joint dysfunctions. In addition, the incorporation of chiropractic care into an athlete’s healthcare regimen has been associated with enhanced biomechanics, decreased injury rates, and accelerated recovery.

What to expect during your chiropractic session?

We will thoroughly go through your medical history, including past and present injuries. From there we perform numerous function, orthopaedic and neurological tests. Occasionally before treating we may feel it is necessary to take X-RAYS to further diagnose you. 

Once we have a diagnosis we can tailor a treatment plan to you. As a chiropractor I use a variety of techniques from spinal adjustments, joint mobilisation, soft tissue release technique including dry needling and rehabilitation that target the musculoskeletal system to promote optimal function and relieve pain. 

What is an adjustment?

I will apply a controlled force to joints that are not functioning normally, are in pain or have an abnormal range of motion. This gentle force promotes alignment of the spine and movement of the joints which reduces symptoms of pain, limited mobility, stiffness and muscle spasms. 

If you are struggling with any injuries, pain or simply want to improve your performance, do not hesitate to contact me at Newquay Chiropractic Clinic to book an initial consultation via the following:

Telephone number – 01637 878788

Email- info@newquaychiropractic.com

Website- www.newquaychiropractic.com