Medical FAQ
Dr. Matt Lowe of Spinal Rehab Sports Medicine has our back when it comes to questions about our spine. You could be letting this series of vertebrae keep you from reaching your full athletic potential, so stand up tall or sit up straight, and check out what Dr. Lowe has to say about taking care of your structural foundation.
What is spinal decompression therapy, and why is it important for active athletes?
Spinal decompression is a pain-free state-of-the-art therapy used to relieve low back, neck, and leg pain. This non-invasive therapy gently takes pressure off the spine, allowing bulging or herniated discs to retract, restoring function and quality of life. When athletes suffer the aches and pains from the daily grind of their training routine, spinal decompression helps promote the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs to promote healing and decrease pain.
If an athlete suspects a neck injury may have occured, what is the first move to make? What do you strongly recommend not doing?
Anytime an athlete suspects having sustained a neck injury, consulting a trained medical professional is always the most appropriate place to start. If you are on the field, at the gym, or participating in an activity at the time of injury, discontinue all activity until you can be thoroughly evaluated. It is strongly recommended not to overstretch the area or attempt to “crack” or “pop" your own neck as this can put you at further risk for injury.
Anytime an athlete suspects having sustained a neck injury, consulting a trained medical professional is always the most appropriate place to start. If you are on the field, at the gym, or participating in an activity at the time of injury, discontinue all activity until you can be thoroughly evaluated. It is strongly recommended not to overstretch the area or attempt to “crack” or “pop" your own neck as this can put you at further risk for injury.
How important is it to have a good posture in sports or in general?
Good posture in general is crucial to everyday spinal health and even more important in sports as athletic performance and injury prevention rely on the structural foundation your posture provides. With a strong functionally stable core, an athlete is able to move through sports specific movement patterns with efficiency and power leading to enhanced performance.
Do you recommend stand-up desks, or can it harm an athlete just as much as heal?
Stand-up desks can be beneficial when used correctly; here at Spinal Rehab Sports Medicine, we encourage all of our patients to make that transition when necessary. As with any training regimen, progression and moderation are key when making changes to your home or office workstation and will allow your structural foundation time to adapt.
What are the most common sports injuries you come across? How can they be prevented?
At Spinal Rehab we come across a wide variety of secondary conditions specific to each sport, ranging from tennis elbow, shin splints, swimmer’s shoulder, sprain/strains, herniated discs, muscular injuries, and neuro-structural dysfunction. These injuries are often caused by athletic overuse, improper body mechanics and technique, lack of conditioning or trauma. As leaders in chiropractic performance care, we offer the most advanced hands-on treatment and exclusive therapy modalities to prevent injuries, speed recovery, and improve athletic performance.
*Good posture in general is crucial to everyday spinal health and even more important in sports as athletic performance and injury prevention rely on the structural foundation your posture provides.
