This article is one of a series covering back pain — causes, symptoms, and the treatments we use at Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
→ Back Pain Treatment in New York City — The Complete Guide
I’m a chiropractor. I’m also an athlete. Chiropractic care is a complex medical discipline that exploits the intimate relationship between the skeletal and nervous systems.
A chiropractor has a professional understanding of how closely related these two physical systems are and how much they rely on one another. When the spine is in alignment (the goal of chiropractic), dysfunction is less likely, as an aligned spine precludes the possibility of nerve impingement (which causes pain).
Your spine protects the central nervous system. It provides its primary structure.
This is important information for athlete’s because the spine is the pillar of their athletic ability. It’s intimate relationship with the central nervous system is where I do my best work. When your spine is where it’s supposed to be, the difference in your athletic performance can be remarkable.
Explaining how chiropractic care helps athletic performance is what this post’s all about.
Getting the Most from Your Nervous System
Having a well-aligned spine doesn’t just prevent pain. It creates the conditions necessary for optimal performance. That means you heal more quickly in the event that you’re injured and your response times are faster.
This applies to all sports you can name, as the spine houses your nervous system. Whether you need to sprint, jump or hit, fast response is an important part of what you do and the nervous system is what governs it.
Repetitive Motion
Repetitive motion injuries are the most common in the world of sports. You’re giving your body a beating and when you have an injury like this, whatever’s hurting is screaming “uncle”.
Chiropractic care, drawing on adjustment and manipulation techniques is a fast track to healing repetitive motion injuries. Coupled with adequate rest and a break from training, a chiropractor can lead the way to heal the injury and preventing recurrence.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics and how they impact performance are an important part of my practice. I know that issues with how your body moves and responds to stimulus in sporting activities can impede performance. But they can be corrected, with the help of a chiropractor.
Movement and gait analysis are part of what a chiropractor does, as issues with biomechanics can be the underlying cause of many injuries. Correcting them with treatment, advice and prescribed exercise is one of the most effective ways chiropractic care helps athletic performance.
And if my work doesn’t get you all the way there, I work as part of a team of clinical professionals who can complement my work with you to produce amazing results.
Our goal is to relieve pain, but we also work with athletes to improve performance and address biomechanical issues. We provide award-winning, multi-disciplinarian care that puts you at your peak potential.
Back & Body Medical
Located in Manhattan, Back & Body takes a groundbreaking approach to pain relief and athletic healthcare. My chiropractic care is supported by physical therapy, sports medicine and acupuncture, bringing you 360-degree support.
Whether you’re an athlete or not, everyone wants to feel their best. Contact us. We can help with that.
Dr Shan Sivendra MD is the founder and medical director of Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. A board-certified medical doctor, certified acupuncturist, and Director of House Physicians at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Dr Sivendra has been practicing in New York since 1995.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (affiliated with Mount Sinai School of Medicine) and received the Resident Research Award for three consecutive years.
Dr Sivendra has a background spanning internal medicine, pain management, and conservative spine rehabilitation, and was licensed in both the US and the UK.
At Back and Body Medical, he leads a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists dedicated to helping patients recover from pain without surgery or unnecessary medication.
Further Reading: Back Pain