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Why runners should visit a chiropractor

Running is a fantastic form of exercise that many people around the world enjoy every day. As well as building muscle and improving the cardiovascular system, it is an effective way to release endorphins, the hormones responsible for improving your mood and helping you to feel good.

It is important for runners to know, however, that running can take a considerable toll on the body if not approached in a controlled way that accounts for the needs of the joints and spine. Indeed, excessive running undertaken without a training plan can cause a range of issues such as knee pain, lower back pain and joint stiffness that could interfere with everyday life.

Running also has the potential to cause misalignment of the spine and pelvis. Simple mistakes such as running too often on slanted surfaces, failing to replace your running shoes often enough, of running in the same direction across the same route every day may encourage the hips to shift, potentially causing significant pain.

Could a chiropractor help?

A chiropractor will be able to assess your joints and spine and attempt to treat any misalignments. They will also work towards soothing any joint pain caused by repeated motions. Generally speaking, we advise runners to make an appointment with a chiropractor regardless of whether they are experiencing any pain, as a chiropractor may be able to spot issues before they progress into something troublesome.

What to do before your appointment

If you have booked a chiropractic appointment for pain related to your running and want to know how to control your symptoms in the meantime, there are a few simple rules you can follow:

– Mix up the surfaces you run on: Try running on a variety of surfaces such as grass, pavement, dirt, track, and wood chips.
– Run close to the water if you enjoy beach running: The sand is usually flatter and kinder on the joints.
– Purchase two pairs of identical running shoes and switch between them on a regular basis.
– You can also alter habits in your daily life. If you sit down a lot at work, for example, try to switch positions on a regular basis and take brief walks every hour or so.

Book an appointment today

Our chiropractors are happy to help all kinds of runners, regardless of your skill level.

Photo: Running Styles by Chris Hunkeler licensed under Creative commons 2