There is still plenty of time left for skiing and snowboarding this season, and many of you have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and great snow conditions around the area for a while now. Whether snow sports are a vital part of your winter activities, or just a fun hobby to partake in once or twice a season, there’s no denying that the sport can take a toll on your muscles and joints. From beginners to advanced athletes, falls are sometimes unavoidable. We know that even the most minor tumble can cause muscle soreness and bruising, but how do those falls affect our joints and spine in particular?

When we have a major impact with the ground, whether falling backward (more common with snowboarding) or falling forward (more common with skiing), the spine is forcefully compressed and jolted. The discs in our spine act as a shock absorber, and to an extent are intended to withstand a certain amount of force. The bones in our spine (called vertebrae) will also react to a fall, and can actually shift out of place with sudden impact. When these vertebrae become misaligned (or subluxated) they may put pressure on the sensitive nerves of the neck, mid back, or low back causing pain or discomfort in these areas.

Fortunately, subluxation is 100% a chiropractic problem. Chiropractors are trained specifically to locate, diagnose, and treat spinal subluxations and are experts in returning proper alignment to the neck and back. A chiropractor uses techniques to gently move the spine off of the delicate nerve, helping to alleviate symptoms and increase joint function. A properly aligned spine not only feels better, but heals better as well, and can keep you on the slopes for years to come!

If you, or someone you care about, may be suffering from aches and pains associated with their love of snow sports, call our office to schedule a free consult and exam (normally a $70 value).

In Good Health,

The team at Fletcher Chiropractic