Football at any level is a sport in which players move fast, change direction quickly, jump, throw, kick, and catch. Did we mention the contact? Yes, football players hit and get hit. It’s no surprise that injuries are so common.
The most common injuries in high school football are to parts of the musculoskeletal system, especially the lower body. Calf, ankle, and foot injuries top the list. Ligament sprains are frequently suffered by high schoolers and fortunately, these are often treated with ice, compression, elevation, and rest.
Concussions are one of the worst injuries any player can suffer. They have immediate and often long-lasting effects. Concussions have been linked to depression and cognitive decline. Proper prevention methods and treatment are essential. This is why the NFL has adopted its concussion protocols.
In addition to treatments from a medical doctor, chiropractic care may be helpful to the management of symptoms of a concussion as well as recovery. In order to heal itself, the body needs good blood flow to the injured areas. This includes the bruised parts of the brain that occur due to a concussion.
Chiropractors align the spine, which may facilitate a number of things to help reduce the recovery time for concussion, including improved nerve communication, restoration of joint movement, and improved posture. Because chiropractors do not use drugs, their treatments enhance the body’s natural healing process and there is no risk of pharmaceutical side effects or addiction.