Tackling that Back Pain
Football is one of the most popular sports played by young athletes, and it leads all other sports in the number of injuries sustained. In 2007, more than 920,000 athletes under the age of 18 were treated in emergency rooms, doctors' offices, and clinics for football-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Some interesting stats in regards to the forces exerted during a tackle may surprise you.
On average, 4.56 seconds for the 40-yard dash -- can produce up to 1600 pounds of tackling force, according to Timothy Gay, a physics professor at the University of Nebraska and author of The Physics of Football.
Although it is a fun sport, imagine what the forces from this sport are doing to an athlete's spine. With such forces being exerted through tackling and falls it can lead to subluxations (shifting of the spinal bones that applies pressure to the nerve root which decreases the function of the nervous system) of the spine. That decrease in function is not always noticeable, which is why it is pertinent to see your chiropractor regularly to make sure your spine is functioning at its best. When your spine has subluxations present, it can negatively influence how your body operates. It can decrease your optimal function which in turn can plateau not only your athletic advancements, but also impair the way your body handles the stress related to a hefty practice schedule and rigorous game play.
So, the next time you are getting ready to compete against a top seeded team in any sport not just football, be sure to get you spine checked from your family wellness chiropractor to ensure you are at your best.
