More and more runners across the country are now visiting chiropractors to help them reduce their pain and improve their performance. According to Active.com, consistent chiropractic care can actually prevent future running-related injuries such as plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, and Achilles tendonitis. Because chiropractors can help make sure that your spine and pelvis are properly aligned, they can help you run better and longer. Here are a few tips that will help you run with less pain.
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Visit a Chiropractor and Start Receiving Chiropractic Care
There’s a reason why every Olympic team and every professional sports team has its own chiropractors. Strenuous physical activity puts a strain on all parts of your body, including your back and neck. By seeing a chiropractor early and often, you will notice reduced levels of pain during and after long runs.
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Pay Attention to Your Running Surface
Running on slanted surfaces and on beaches can put uneven stress on different parts of your body. This can contribute to wear and tear and can also lead to misalignment of the pelvis and the spine. By mixing up your running surfaces and your routes, you will avoid putting too much stress on one specific area of your body day after day. This will also make your runs more enjoyable because you will be adding some variety to your routine.
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Avoid Running on Beaches
Running on sand and on slanted slopes of a beach will slowly contribute to more pain across your body. Though running on beaches is a great workout and can be a lot of fun, it is not recommended that you run on the beach every day. If you have to run on a beach, try to run very close to the water. The sand is usually flatter and more compacted in those areas and will put less stress on your body.
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Replace Your Shoes Every Few Months
Just like your body, and even more noticeably, shoes suffer from wear and tear. Using shoes that are specifically made for runners will help, but you also have to keep track of how many miles you’ve run in them. Although your new shoes were designed to help you run more efficiently and with less pain, they will become less effective the longer and more often you use them.
Depending on how often you run, you will want to make sure you are routinely replacing your shoes. If you are running more than one hundred miles a month, you will want to replace them every few months. If you are running less, you can use the same pair of shoes for a few additional months. Another idea is to buy two pairs of the same type of running shoe and switch between them after each run. This will help prolong the life of both pairs.
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Always Warm Up and Stretch
This seems like Running 101, but it always bears repeating. The best way to prevent running injuries is to stretch before and after every run. Warming up your hips and your spine are especially important if you are experiencing back pain.
Our competent and professional staff is happy to help you with any pain associated with your exercise routine. Contact Advanced Chiropractic and Holistic Wellness Center today for a consultation.