Warm weather means more outdoor activity and sports, especially since that was curtailed last year. Unfortunately, being a “weekend warrior” means a greater risk of injuries. So even if you don’t feel any pain yet, seeing a chiropractor can keep you healthy and active.
This situation even has a name – weekend warrior syndrome. What happens is that people who don’t work out regularly suddenly up their activity levels in spring and summer. Whether it’s rollerblading, softball, tennis, or even a vigorous game of Frisbee with lots of running, the surge of activity puts unexpected strain on your muscles and joints. Aches, pain, soreness, and inflammation can follow.
Worse, people who don’t work out regularly are less likely to stretch and warm-up before they start. That also increases the risk of injuries. Then because it’s casual, fun activities instead of a measured workout, it’s very easy to have poor form or twist a bit too much or too fast and hurt yourself.
Even if none of that happens, a simple slip or fall is always possible, causing an injury.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Even without an obvious, official injury, chiropractic care can help keep your body in shape. If the sudden increase in activity causes strain, that can lead to imbalances or a subluxation that chiropractic care can correct. Additionally, chiropractic care helps keep you flexible, which also lowers the risk of injuries.
Why Do I Have Pain After Weekend Sports?
Sitting around Monday through Friday and then being extremely active on the weekend is hard on your body. Yes, you need exercise, and our bodies need to move, but consistent exercise is better. Sitting most of the day during the week is also a strain on the body and puts you at risk for metabolic syndrome.
Other Health Risks From Sitting Too Much Include:
- Weakened large leg and gluteal muscles.
- Shortened hip flexors, which can cause back and hip pain.
- Greater risk of lung, uterine, and colon cancers.
- Development of varicose and/or spider veins.
- Diabetes.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Increased chance of heart disease.
Sitting for a couple of hours straight – or longer – also causes the body to decrease the production of a vital enzyme called lipoprotein lipase by as much as 90%. This protein breaks down fat in your bloodstream so having less of it means your body is more likely to store fat instead of using it for energy as intended.
Sitting too much puts strain on your back because our bodies are designed for a mix of regular movement with breaks, not just sitting. Being sedentary can even cause stiff necks and shoulders.
So being too inactive is bad, but weekend warrior injuries also happen. The most common sports and activity injuries are:
- Sprained ankles
- Shin splints
- Tennis elbow
- Pulled groin
- Hamstring strains
- Shoulder injuries
- Concussions
- ACL tears/dislocated knees
- Hip flexor strains
- IT band syndrome
You don’t have to suffer in pain. Chiropractic care can both treat injuries and help prevent them by keeping you flexible and balanced.
Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness
At Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness, we have been helping our Long Island patients find relief and optimal health for more than 10 years. Whether you’re seeking help with back problems or pain relief, or just want to maintain and improve your general health and wellness, our team can help. Here at Total Chiro, we never take a cookie-cutter approach to your health because everyone is treated as an individual. Contact us today for an evaluation at our office. We can recommend a treatment plan that is right for you to help increase your mobility and manage your pain.