


Physical activity and pain
Individuals participating in physical/sports activities have an increased risk of low back pain because of the consistent running, twisting, and jumping. Any of these movements place pressure on the spine along with the surrounding ligaments and muscles, which can lead to injury. Repetitive twisting and turning, stresses the muscles around the spine, which can cause frequent muscle sprains. Running and jumping also wears down the vertebrae and discs. Impact activities can also cause injuries to the spine, nerve roots, and surrounding tissues. The most common back problems include:- Muscle sprains
- Osteoarthritis
- Bulging discs
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Fractures are less common but still pose a risk



Treatment and prevention
Maintaining the body’s health is critical. If the lower back begins to present discomfort or hurts, do not ignore it. Many will play through the pain when they should be taking a break. And ignoring any back pain could create new injuries or worsen the condition. Continued pressure on the back will worsen any strains or fractures and will hinder the body from healing properly. Individuals tend to take on awkward/uncomfortable postures and move in awkward ways to avoid or compensate for the pain. This places added pressure in the wrong places and can cause/worsen an injury or condition. Pay attention to the pain. Try ice and heat therapy at home to see if it eases up. Using a foam roller or self-massage device can help if the back pain is muscular. However, if the pain is sharp, shooting, or does not go away, visit a chiropractor for diagnosis and treatment. A chiropractor will conduct imaging tests and physical exams to identify the root cause. Once a diagnosis has been reached a treatment plan will be implemented through:- Massage
- Stretches
- Therapeutic exercises
- Spinal adjustments
- Health coaching
Fit Body Composition
Muscle recovery
When engaging in physical activity there is microscopic damage to the muscle cells. The stress and fatigue the body goes through during physical activity cause hormone and enzyme levels to fluctuate, increasing inflammation. This leads to:- Fat loss
- Increased metabolism
- Increased strength
- Muscle growth
- Immediate recovery is the short time between movements. For example, when jogging, immediate recovery is the time between each stride.
- Short-term is the time between sets of exercises. For example, the rest periods between exercise intervals.
- Training recovery is the period between one workout session ending and the next beginning.