Summer will soon be upon us and unfortunately so will joint and back injuries associated with summer sports and outside work activities. It is hard for most of us to believe that our muscles and joints aren't just as good this summer as they have been for the past half dozen or so years.

    When we push our body's joints and muscles beyond their aging and unconditioned limits, injuries do tend to happen. Even though most physical injuries are not seemingly severe enough for a visit to the doctor, even a minor injury should be taken seriously if we want quick recovery and a minimum risk of re-injury.

FOR INJURIES INVOLVING SPRAINS, PULLS & BRUISES

• For the first 24-48 hours, use ice to reduce swelling and pain.
  
• Support provided by an ace wrap will also help to reduce swelling.
  
• After 48 hours, moist heat is helpful in increasing circulation and healing damaged tissues.
  
• Limit activities to allow muscles to recover and to avoid re-injury. Pain is the best indicator; if it hurts-reduce the activity causing the pain.
  
• After the pain has subsided, exercise the muscles gradually, starting with gentle stretching.

FOR BACK INJURIES

• Seek chiropractic care immediately.

  When the spine has been wrenched out of its normal alignment, the attached muscles respond with severe and painful contractions in their attempt to pull the spinal vertebrae back into normal position.

    With gentle spinal adjustments, most summertime injuries respond readily to chiropractic care. If you or someone you know is suffering from a summertime injury, please let our office help. Give us a call and we'll get you back into the summertime swing of things before you know it!!