Winter Activities

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11/25/06

COMMONSENSE CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Dr. Lee DeBlon

Winter Activities, Safety and Chiropractic

When it comes to being CAREFUL and SAFER, there are descriptive phrases that we have used in our offices forever. These phrases are used in conjunction with activities of all kinds. Whether these activities be inside or outside chores such as laundry, vacuuming, mowing, woodworking, painting, climbing ladders, splitting wood, snow removal or sports activities such as hunting, skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating, snow mobiling, ice fishing, snow Frisbee golf, etc. etc., you get the big picture. Depending on how long it has been since one has participated in any of the above activities and in what kind of shape they are in; Denise and I, at the DEBLON CHIROPRACTIC OFFICES, use three descriptive phrases when discussing activities with our patients.

These phrases describe how we want the patients to approach the activities they discuss with us. The patients are to be CAUTIOUSLY ACTIVE, DELIBERATELY ACTIVE and COMFORTABLY ACTIVE; with the following statement foremost in their minds before they begin any activity. “WHEN IN DOUBT DON’T”.  If there are any doubts about performing a chore or participating in a sport, DON’T !!!. If you really need two people to do something, wait until you have that other person with you.

We would rather see our patients COMFORTABLY ACTIVE than sitting on the couch. With this in mind we have some cautions and recommendations to bring to you at this time, as we are entering the winter season. REMEMBER….EVERYTHING IN MODERATION !!!!  So if you are one of those people who don’t exercise much or at all, MODERATE EXERCISE can be easy and fun to make part of your daily activities. Get off the couch and DO something about your health. It will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Everywhere;  men, women, children and older adults are getting involved with fitness programs. They are working out with weights, swimming, biking, walking, jogging, playing golf, playing baseball, dancing, rock climbing, doing aerobics and a number of other activities. Some are participating in many physical activities, some for fitness and some for fun.

What are some of the health concerns of these active people?? There are some problems and risks associated with sports and fitness programs. Backs, necks, knees, wrists, fingers, toes, joints, ligaments, tendons are subject to strains, sprains and injury when people play hard. Among the causes of these injuries are; overreaching, overdoing it, pushing to hard to reach goals, failure to use good judgment to avoid injuries, not knowing your limitations or knowing your limitations and ignoring them to reach the desired goal. Some people get themselves in trouble trying to recapture things they once did very well, but find impossible or nearly impossible to do at all. Others, play all out without warming up,  proper nutrition, hydration, training or guidance.

Another serious problem is NOT receiving the most conservative treatment possible for any injuries when they occur. People simply wait TOO long, hoping that somehow it will take care of itself and go away. The ASSUMPTION being that loss of symptoms equals healing and the injury is all better. This can lead to more serious problems because the patient DID NOT FULLY recuperate and “Got Back Into The Game TOO Soon” and reinjured themselves once again.

What can Chiropractic Do??  Chiropractic is IDEALLY suited to helping you deal with the injuries that result from sports, fitness and around the house chores. Chiropractors have the EXPERTISE dealing with musculoskeletal and nerve problems related to these injuries. Among health care professionals, Chiropractors are some of the most actively involved with sports-related conditioning, injury prevention and CONSERVATIVE  CARE.
A Chiropractor should examine you BEFORE you begin or change a program of physical activity. The Chiropractor can help you assess your reasons and goals, which will help prevent injuries caused by going beyond your limits. Chiropractors can offer training and nutrition suggestions, monitor your progress and treat injuries if they occur.
Chiropractors are ESPECIALLY EFFECTIVE with many professional and high-level amateur athletes. These athletes depend on the Chiropractor to protect them from costly and career-threatening injuries. Any injuries that do happen, are managed in the most conservative way to lessen their down time, that way making the possibility of surgery and the use of drugs unnecessary, except as a last resort. Most Chiropractors, including    myself are devoted to conservative care for everyone and their activities.

What’s the Best Treatment For Sprains and Strains ?? Treatment of sprains and strains is often accomplished with the “RICE” method. If you are unsure of the severity of your strain or sprain talk to your Chiropractor. The following is an explanation of the “RICE” method: R=REST  The first 24-48 hours after a joint injury is considered critical and activities should be severely minimized.  Then gradually use the injured joint as tolerated, but avoid activities that will cause you pain. Often the use of a splint, sling, or crutches is necessary to rest the injured body part. I=ICE  For the first 48 hours after the injury, ice the joint 15-20 minutes every 1-4 hours. If the ice seems too cold wrap it with a dishtowel. We recommend minimally twice an evening; once after dinner and once before going to bed. Do not ice more than 20 minutes…MORE is not better and you will not be helping healing the injury any faster. C=COMPRESSION  Use an Ace Bandage and wrap the area by overlapping the wrap by ½ the width of the wrap. The wrap should be comfortably snug not causing tingling, coldness and blueness of fingers or toes.
E=ELEVATE    Elevate your sprain or strain higher than your heart if possible. Place pillows under your arm or leg at night. If it’s your lower back, sleep in the position that gives the best quality and comfort while sleeping. In severe lower back cases,…we will recommend wearing a low back belt to bed, minimizing back misalignment when tossing and turning at night. But also to remind one not to sit up or jump up suddenly out of bed like they usually do.

Have fun, be careful and enjoy your winter activities.

From Babies to Grandparents, everyone needs a spine FREE from misalignment, FREE from musculoskeletal problems and  FREE from the problems lessening their abilities to perform and do the activities of daily living. If anyone has any questions or wants to make an appointment for our FREE EXAMINATION AND CONSULTATION, do not hesitate to call Denise or I ( Dr. Lee DeBlon ) at 253-0904 or 775-6656.