I Hurt My Neck Playing Sports! What's Next!?

There you are having the ride of your life and  then - bam! - next thing you know, your upside down in the brush. Ouch! What can start as a great day can quickly end as a total bummer. Neck injuries are common in sports, and while they can be scary, knowing what to do next can make all the difference in your recovery. Here's a guide on what steps to take if you hurt your neck playing sports and why chiropractic care might be your best bet for a swift recovery.

Immediate Triage: What to Do Right After the Injury

First things first: stop what you are doing and assess the situation. Continuing to ride and play with a neck injury can worsen the damage. If you're experiencing any head injury, severe pain, numbness, or weakness, especially if it extends to your arms or legs, or if you are bleeding, it's crucial to seek emergency medical attention right away. Ask for help from someone nearby, if possible. When in doubt, seek professional help. 

To X-Ray or Not to X-Ray: When to Seek Imaging

While some neck injuries can heal on their own with proper care, others might require a closer look to ensure there's no serious damage. If the pain persists or you experience symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs, it's time to see a healthcare professional. They might recommend an X-ray, CT, or MRI to rule out bleeding, fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage.

Chiropractic Care: A Leading Treatment for Sports-Related Injuries

Once the immediate concerns are addressed and serious injuries are ruled out, chiropractic care can be a fantastic option for treating neck injuries sustained during sport activities. Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine and extremities. Here's why it's a go-to for many athletes:

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Neck Injuries

1. Pain Relief: Chiropractors use various techniques, such as spinal adjustments, laser, and other modalities to alleviate pain and improve function.
2. Non-Invasive: Chiropractic care can be a great alternative to injections, surgery or medication, when those options aren't warranted.
3. Speedy Recovery: Regular chiropractic adjustments can help reduce recovery time, getting you back to your sport faster.
4. Improved Mobility: Chiropractic treatments can enhance your range of motion and flexibility, which is crucial for athletes.
5. Preventative Care: Routine visits to a chiropractor can help prevent future injuries by keeping your spine and extremities in optimal condition.
6. Preserved Function: Our goal is to get you back in the game as fast as we can, and we often work with our injured athletes to keep them training, when possible, during their recovery.

Chiropractic Care in Professional Sports

Chiropractic care isn't just for weekend warriors. It's widely used in professional, collegiate, and Olympic sports medicine programs. Top athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and even Olympians rely on chiropractic care to maintain peak performance and recover from injuries. The reason is simple: chiropractic treatments help keep the body in alignment, improve function, and reduce the risk of future injuries which can translate into results.

Get Back in the Game with Community Chiropractic Clinic

Don't let a neck injury sideline you for longer than necessary. At Community Chiropractic Clinic, LLC, we specialize in treating sports-related injuries and can help you get back to your game stronger and healthier. Our experienced chiropractors use state-of-the-art techniques to diagnose and treat your injury, providing personalized care tailored to your needs. If you've hurt your neck playing sports, don't wait. Call us today at 907-222-2100 to schedule a free consultation. Let's work together to create a treatment plan that gets you back on the field, court, or track as quickly and safely as possible.

Neck injuries from sports can be daunting, but with the right immediate care and follow-up treatment, you can recover fully and return to your active lifestyle. Chiropractic care offers a proven, non-invasive way to treat and prevent sports injuries, helping athletes at all levels stay in the game. So, if you find yourself asking, "I hurt my neck playing sports. What's next?"—remember, the next step is to seek expert care and get back to doing what you love. Call Community Chiropractic Clinic, LLC today!

Dr. Kelly

(~2 seconds before Dr. Kelly flipped over the handlebars while taking this silly photo)