If you have a child that plays high school football, they may become injured. If this happens, in some cases a chiropractor can help them. Below are some common injuries for football so you and your child can be prepared.
Football Injuries
Some common injuries that happen while playing football include:
Back Pain
Pain to the upper and lower back is often caused by your child training longer than necessary. If they do this, their body does not have time to recover, which leads to more damage to their back. They may complain of both upper and lower back pain. If your child is thrown to the ground a lot, this can cause irritation to a large nerve in the back, known as the sciatic nerve, which can also cause pain.
Knee Injuries
Because your child will likely be forced to the ground while playing football, knee injuries are common. Many of these injuries are to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) are common, and these injuries can affect your child's ability to play football long term.
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries are also common, especially if your child is a defensive or offensive lineman. In positions like this, they are more than likely going to be thrown onto the ground during play. In many cases, the part of the shoulder that is injured is the labrum, which is the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. ACJ (acromioclavicular joint) injuries are also common.
Chiropractor
If your child is complaining of these problems, you should concult a doctor. The football team may have a physician that they use. A chiropractor can also be very beneficial.
For shoulder injuries, the chiropractor can adjust your child's spine to make sure the nerves that go to the shoulder are working properly. The chiropractor can also adjust the joints that make up the shoulder. They may suggest heat and/or ice treatment, strengthening exercises, and stretching.
For back pain, the chiropractor can perform spinal manipulation. This can help improve the functionality of your child's back, as well as restore range of motion, and reduce sciatic nerve irritability. The chiropractor may also teach your child how to stretch the muscles in the back before they start training or playing.
For knee pain, the chiropractor can realign the joint in your child's knees through manual adjustment. Along with this, they may recommend ice, exercises, and physical therapy.
If your child plans to continue playing football for the long term, ask the chiropractor what they can do to prevent injuries from happening. For more information call a chiropractor like Claremont Chiropractic.
