Chiropractic Techniques for Treating Sports-Related Back Pain

Athletes often push their bodies to the limit, making back injuries a common setback. These injuries can sideline them from their sport and disrupt their everyday routines.

Take Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola, for instance. After a tough hit during a scramble against UCLA, he had to play in their next game versus USC with an injured back—a situation many Nebraskan athletes can relate to. 

Fortunately, chiropractic care provides a proven way to relieve pain, restore mobility, and support recovery. In this blog, we’ll dive into chiropractic techniques for treating sports-related back pain. These are available at Driver Chiropractic in Columbus, NE, to help you get back in the game.

Common Causes of Sports-Related Back Pain

Whether you’re racing in the Columbus Downtown Runaround, playing football at Memorial Stadium, or lifting weights at Anytime Fitness, the risk of sustaining a back injury is always present. Physical activity can put a lot of strain on your spine and muscles, especially if the movements are intense or repetitive.

Common causes of sports-related back pain include the following:

• Strain: A strain occurs when the muscles or ligaments in your back are overstretched or torn, often from sudden movements or improper lifting. This is the most common cause of back pain in athletes.
• Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolysis refers to a small crack in one of the vertebrae, while spondylolisthesis happens when a vertebra slips out of place. These are often seen in athletes who perform hyperextension, like gymnastics.
• Herniated Discs: A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushion between the vertebrae in your spine ruptures or slips, putting pressure on nearby nerves and causing sharp pain and numbness. It’s especially common in sports with heavy lifting.
• Postural Dysfunction: Poor posture, such as forward head, rounded shoulders, kyphosis (excessive upper back curvature), or lordosis (excessive lower back curvature), can lead to chronic back pain. These issues often develop from repetitive movements or improper body mechanics during athletic activities.

Types of Sports-Related Back Pain

Lower Back Pain

One of the most common causes of lower back pain in athletes is strain from heavy or improper lifting. This can lead to pain that may feel sharp, dull, or achy. The discomfort might come and go, or it could persist, especially if the underlying issue is not addressed. In addition to pain, other symptoms often include stiffness and muscle spasms.

Upper and Mid-back Pain

Although lower back pain is more common, upper and mid-back pain can also occur. A typical injury in this area is a stinger, which happens when a sudden blow or stretch to the neck causes pain that shoots down to the shoulder and arm. Another condition is thoracic outlet syndrome, where nerves or blood vessels between the neck and chest become compressed. This can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in the upper body and arms.

No matter the location of your back pain, it can significantly impact your performance and overall quality of life as an athlete. Not only does it cause you to miss games and practice, but it can also interfere with work, school, and social activities.

If left untreated, sports-related back pain can lead to long-term consequences such as nerve damage, worsening pain, sleep disturbances, and a low mood. Addressing the pain early through chiropractic treatment is crucial to avoid these lasting effects.

Role of Chiropractic Care at Driver Chiropractic in Managing Sports-Related Back Pain

Driver Chiropractic in Columbus, NE, is a trusted provider of holistic, drug-free sports injury chiropractic care. By focusing on the root causes of back pain, chiropractic care helps athletes recover faster and experience long-lasting relief.

In addition to pain relief, chiropractic adjustments optimize spinal health, which plays a key role in preventing future injuries. With regular care, athletes can maintain proper alignment, keeping them injury-free and at the top of their game.

Chiropractic Techniques for Treating Sports-Related Back Pain

1. Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments are a key chiropractic technique. These help realign the spine, reduce pressure on the nerves, and alleviate pain caused by spinal misalignments or back injuries. 

Dr. Dylan Driver, our back pain doctor here at Driver Chiropractic, can perform the following spinal adjustment techniques:

• Diversified Technique: This is the most commonly used chiropractic technique. It involves quick, controlled thrusts to the spine using the chiropractor’s hands.
• Activator Adjusting: Activator Adjusting uses a small, handheld device to deliver gentle adjustments to the spine. This technique is ideal for athletes seeking a low-force approach due to sensitivity or fear of manual adjustments.
• Cox Flexion–Distraction: This is a noninvasive technique designed to relieve pressure on the spine and discs, especially for those with herniated discs. The chiropractor uses a special table to gently stretch and move the spine, which increases the space between the vertebrae, helping reduce pain and improve function.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy plays a crucial role in addressing muscle tension and inflammation caused by sports injuries. By massaging the muscles, this therapy helps promote blood flow, reduce stiffness, and speed up the healing process.

One of the techniques Dr. Driver uses is the Graston Technique. This method involves using specialized instruments to gently scrape the skin and targeted areas of the muscles. This helps break down scar tissues that cause pain and limit movement, allowing for quicker recovery and better mobility.

3. Therapeutic Exercises and Rehabilitation

Chiropractors often recommend specific exercises to stretch and strengthen back muscles. These target key muscle groups, helping improve flexibility and prevent future injuries.

4. Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiology taping helps support muscles, reduce swelling, and promote healing. It's particularly effective for strains, as the tape lifts the skin slightly, improving blood flow and relieving pressure on the muscles, which aids in faster recovery.

5. Ultrasound and Electrical Stimulation

Ultrasound therapy and electrical muscle stimulation are used to increase blood flow to injured areas, relax muscles, and encourage tissue healing. By providing back pain relief for athletes, they support the restoration of movement and flexibility.

6. Posture Correction and Ergonomic Advice

Chiropractors provide valuable guidance on correcting posture to reduce strain on the spine. They offer ergonomic advice to ensure proper body mechanics during daily activities, helping to prevent discomfort and injuries.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Sports-Related Back Pain

Pain Relief and Improved Mobility

Chiropractic treatments relieve pain and restore mobility, helping athletes recover from back pain and regain the flexibility needed for peak performance.

Enhanced Performance and Reduced Injury Risk

By optimizing spinal alignment and biomechanics, chiropractic care improves movement efficiency, allowing athletes to perform better while minimizing the risk of injury.

Faster Return to Training and Competition

With treatments that reduce pain and promote tissue healing, athletes experience faster recovery, enabling them to return to their sport sooner and reduce time away from training and competition.

Holistic Health and Wellness

Chiropractic care focuses on addressing spinal and musculoskeletal issues, improving overall health and posture. This comprehensive approach supports long-term wellness, keeping athletes in top shape both on and off the field.

What to Expect During Chiropractic Treatment for Sports-Related Back Pain

Experience personalized chiropractic care here at Driver Chiropractic. We guide you every step of the way toward pain relief and lasting wellness.

1. Initial Consultation: Your first visit includes a warm welcome, discussing your health history, symptoms, and goals to create a personalized plan.
2. Comprehensive Examination: Following your consultation, a thorough examination, including posture and range of motion tests, helps identify the root causes of discomfort.
3. X-rays: If needed, X-rays provide valuable insights into your spine and musculoskeletal health.
4. Personalized Report of Findings: We’ll explain your condition and treatment options and answer any questions, ensuring you understand and feel confident about your care plan.
5. Chiropractic Care and Lifestyle Recommendations: We provide chiropractic adjustments, exercises, and ergonomic advice to support recovery and prevent future issues.

Takeaway

Sports-related back pain does not have to sit you out. Driver Chiropractic can put you on the path to recovery and improved sports performance using chiropractic techniques for treating sports-related back pain. Our noninvasive sports injury treatment helps you enhance performance and help you return to the game as soon as possible.

Schedule an appointment today!