Sports Chiropractic

Chiropractic Care for Athletes

Did you know that 9.1% of all spinal cord injuries are sports-related? A Sports Chiropractor can help. If you or your child participate in sports and sustain an injury, you may require chiropractic care. Leigh Brain & Spine is a sports chiropractic firm that specializes in neurofeedback and chiropractic medicine. The team uses the latest and best technologies to treat patients throughout the Triangle.

What is a Sports Chiropractor?

Sports chiropractors specialize in the diagnosis and care of musculoskeletal injuries. A sports chiropractor also performs preventative care and gives advice on performance issues or treatment for a sport-related injury. Though this is a relatively new form of medical practice, athletes of all ages find that a sports chiropractor provides a valuable service in keeping their body in top condition.

Why Should I see a Sports Chiropractor?

While participating in sports has many health benefits, there are also many risks. After all, you are pushing your body to the limit, and in some sports, engaging in contact with other players. Sports chiropractors have expertise in many different types of sports-related injuries and can also provide preventative care for improved performance.

Sports-Related Pain and How a Sports Chiropractor Can Help

Athletes can experience many different types of pain. A sports chiropractor can help with sports-related pains such as:

Headaches – The cause of headaches is often tied to neck pain, which spinal manipulation help to relieve.
Shoulder pain – Shoulder pain can spring from swinging a golf club or engaging in sports that involve throwing and catching. Overuse can lead to pain, which can be relieved with chiropractic care.
Ankle injuries – Ankle injuries are incredibly common among athletes. Sports chiropractors can treat ankle pain using massage, spinal adjustments, and physical therapy.

Sports Chiropractor versus Massage Therapist

While some services provided by a sports chiropractor overlap with those of a massage therapist, there are key differences. A sports chiropractor often has more medical training and an advanced degree. They have more treatment options at their disposal and can combine deep tissue massage with other treatments for optimal care.

What Kind of Care Does a Sports Chiropractor Give?

Sports chiropractors treat common overuse injuries and also help with rehabilitation from more serious injuries as well. Types of treatment include:

Spinal manipulation
Advanced deep tissue massage
Muscle work
Exercise rehabilitation
Strength training
Spinal decompression

Which Professional Athletes Use a Sports Chiropractor?

Many professional athletes take advantage of the many benefits of chiropractic care. Athletes such as Barry Bonds, Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose, and Tiger Woods, perhaps the most naturally talented golfer, have publicly praised sports chiropractic medicine and credit it for their continued performance.

How Do I Know if I Should See a Sports Chiropractor?

Serious and casual athletes of all ages can benefit from the services of a sports chiropractor. Keeping your body in top condition will lead to optimal performance in sports. If you are experiencing pain from the overuse of certain muscles, or if you would like advice on injury prevention, a sports chiropractor can help. Sports injuries can have serious consequences, so if you or your child are involved in sporting activities, consulting a sports chiropractor is an effective method for preventing potentially serious injuries.

Why Leigh Brain & Spine?

At Leigh Brain & Spine, we provide expert care for both serious and everyday sports injuries, in addition to providing preventative care to serious athletes. Dr. Trish Leigh and Dr. Cosmas Leigh have extensive experience in both neurofeedback and sports chiropractic medicine. If you’re ready to experience expert chiropractic care and step up your game, schedule your consultation at Leigh Brain & Spine today.

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Chiropractors FAQ

Do Chiropractors adjust all patients the same way?

No. The chiropractor evaluates each patient’s unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. In fact, there are many different chiropractic techniques and the chiropractor will decide which is best for each patient. The recommendations made by a chiropractor are based upon years of training and experience. Each patient’s care is uniquely different from every other patient.

Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?

Yes. It’s an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” Chiropractors may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place. Some chiropractors specialize in serving those people who have had previous back surgeries and are still in pain. Spinal Decompression Therapy can be the most effective course of treatment for such a person.

Can I adjust myself?

No. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a “popping” sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable spine even more unstable, and can sometimes be dangerous. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs.

Can I tell if my spine is out of alignment?

Not always. A misalignment is like a dental cavity–you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That’s why periodic spinal checkups are so important. Although it may be possible to know you have a misalignment, it is rarely possible to be sure you don’t. Regular spinal checkups are always a good idea, and they promote good health from the inside out.

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About Dr. Cosmas Leigh

Chiropractic Physician

Dr. Cosmas Leigh, D.C. is a pioneer in Spinal Decompression to treat spinal stenosis, herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration. Dr. Leigh was the first in his region to include the state-of-the-art DRX 9000c Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression system to his practice to reduce pain and restore function for people of all ages.

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