Healthy Biking and Chiropractic Care

With summer in full-swing, many Burnsville, MN residents are taking to the many bike paths in the area. Whether you are a casual recreational biker or a fierce competitor, injuries can occur. Let’s discuss some common injuries, chiropractic help for the cyclist and tips for avoiding future injuries.

Common Injuries

The Twin Cities has been rated as one of the healthiest metro areas in the country. Even with all our healthy riding, repetitive use of certain muscles and unbalanced posture are common sources of injuries, which can include:

• Low back pain due to forward flexed posture. Wearing a backpack while riding can increase this issue.
• Neck pain due to  joint irritation, pinched nerves or strain to posterior neck muscles
• Shoulder pain
• Wrist and/or hand pain from carpal tunnel syndrome or handlebar palsy
• Knee pain from to iliotibial band syndrome or patellofemoral syndrome
• Hamstring and quadriceps muscle strains
• Hip pain
• Ligament sprains
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bruises, abrasions and fractures 

Chiropractic Care for Cyclists

Your chiropractor will evaluate your history and preform a physical examination to determine the best course based on the diagnosis. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis, but often includes spinal manipulation, adjustment of joints and soft tissue therapy. An exercise and stretching therapy will help to strengthen weak muscles, enabling the spine and joints to maintain proper alignment.

Chiropractic care is natural, drug-free and will happy you with a plan for improved health for the future. 

Tips to Avoid Cycling Injuries

The American Chiropractic Association has great tips for properly fitting your bicycle. Keys include finding the proper frame size, positioning the saddle properly, handlebar positioning and wearing a helmet. According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, a properly fitted bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent.

Cycling is great for your heart, burning calories, improving coordination, strengthening your immune system and improved mental health. So, hit the trails, but enjoy them safely.