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Q: My 12-year-old son is really into sports. Josh wrenched his back playing soccer last week and still has some pain, though it’s milder with the ibuprofen I gave him. I’ve been treated very successfully by a chiropractor for my own back pain and was wondering if you thought it would be OK for Josh to see him for a follow-up?
A: Absolutely. A chiropractic physician makes a lot of sense, especially for sports injuries, though they’re qualified to evaluate and treat most common injuries and can also order x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Minor sports injuries most often involve soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and healing usually begins quickly, with symptoms subsiding within 5 to 7 days. If Josh’s symptoms persist or worsen, a more serious injury could be present.
Often there’s inadequate strength, balance, and stability in the body that can lead to susceptibility to injury. A chiropractic physician trained in sports injuries can identify and help correct these situations after an injury or as a preventive measure to avoid future problems.
A final plus: in general, chiropractors are more conservative in their overall approach, opting for nutritional rather than pharmaceutical (drug) support, and for physical rehabilitation rather than surgery.