Athletes are prone to back pain, because they push themselves to perform at peak levels, subjecting the spine to repetitive stress, which can lead to muscle strain or injury, necessitating a back pain treatment plan.
Experiencing back pain can be an obstacle to optimal performance. It not only prevents you from playing well, but also increases your risk of injury. Pushing through the pain is always a bad idea, and the problem must be addressed appropriately by a sports professional.
Sports medicine doctors can help create an individualized treatment plan for your back pain. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the methods sports medicine professionals use to revitalize your back and relieve pain, and where you can go in Dallas, TX for such services.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a minimally invasive back pain treatment option that targets trigger points in the back, which contribute to back pain. Before receiving this treatment, patients need to undergo a physical exam to determine if it is appropriate for them.
Athletes and active individuals can benefit from dry needling, which involves the insertion of thin filiform needles into tight muscles to do the following:
- Release trigger points
- Promote muscle relaxation
- Reduce pain intensity
- Increase joint range of motion
Dry needling can be used to address common issues athletes face, from overuse injuries to myofascial pain syndrome.
Chiropractic Adjustments
A straight spine is important for any athletic activity due to the significant impact it can have on performance and the increase in injury risk for individuals with poor spinal alignment. Chiropractic care offers a natural and holistic approach to back pain relief, focusing on restoring alignment and function to the spine. Chiropractic practitioners can pinpoint the exact location of pain and address it.
Chiropractic therapy usually involves hands-on adjustments and manipulations to do the following:
- Realign vertebrae
- Relieve joint dysfunction
- Alleviate pressure on nerves
- Improve spinal mobility
- Support functional recovery
Examples of chiropractic techniques are the following:
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation involves the chiropractor applying a quick, controlled force to a specific joint in the spine. This adjustment is often accompanied by an audible “pop” or “crack” as gas bubbles are released from the joint, resulting in improved joint mobility and reduced pain.
Drop-Table Technique
The drop table technique involves a chiropractic table with segmented sections that can be raised or lowered during the adjustment process. The chiropractor applies a quick thrust to a specific segment of the spine, while simultaneously dropping the corresponding table section. This can address misalignments in the pelvis and lower back.
Many athletes and active individuals can benefit from chiropractic care to address misalignments, joint dysfunction, and other mechanical issues contributing to back pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a very important role in managing back pain in athletes and active individuals. To start, the physical therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s back pain, including the location and intensity. They also evaluate the athlete’s posture and movement patterns and identify areas of dysfunction and potential causes of back pain.
Programs are individualized and may include the following:
- Heat therapy to soothe tired neck and back muscles
- Cold therapy to relieve pain and inflammation
- Electrical stimulation, which delivers electrical impulses to the nerves and helps reduce the perception of pain
- Manual therapy techniques, such as myofascial release, to reduce muscular tension and facilitate better movement patterns
- A customized exercise program focusing on strengthening weak muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing core stability
- Education and posture training for proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and posture to reduce strain on the spine and prevent future back injuries
Throughout treatment, the physical therapist regularly monitors your progress and makes adjustments accordingly. What makes physical therapy great is that every treatment program is unique to the patient and according to their needs.
The Best Sports Medicine Doctors in Dallas, TX
Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine in Dallas, Texas, offers comprehensive care for athletes who are experiencing back pain, whether from injury or overexertion. We have a team of highly trained sports medicine professionals, including chiropractic sports practitioners, who can help you find relief from back pain. We have helped many athletes, amateur and professional, get back in the game revitalized and performing better than ever.
We understand how back pain can keep you on the sidelines, and we are committed to your recovery. You will find compassionate and expert care in our sports medicine facility. To schedule a consultation for back pain treatment, call our office today at (972) 503-7272 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.
