Tailgating with Back Pain
By Sara Butler
Football season is all about tailgating. But something as simple as back pain can derail your tailgating plans unless you have a good defense. When it comes to back and neck pain during football season, you must make sure to keep your head in the game. Here are some tips from the chiropractors at The Joint to help you stay on the tailgating playing field.
Warm Up
You may not be taking the field, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t warm up. Your tailgating plans may encompass sitting around and talking with your pals, tossing the pigskin around, or simply standing at the grill, but whatever you have planned should start with a warm-up.
The chiropractors at The Joint suggest simple and quick movements to help you get started. Try hamstring stretches or shoulder rolls that can help you avoid back and neck pain. Make sure to move around a lot and change up your position every so often to keep muscle tension on the bench.
Snacking Strategy
Tailgating isn’t associated with the healthy food choices, but if you plan ahead, then you can have some healthy choices on hand for the big game. Maintaining a healthy weight is important to control back pain and most foods that are abundant on the buffet can make any inflammation you’re experiencing worse. Try bringing your own food that is tasty but a bit healthier than what you might otherwise encounter.
It’s About Teamwork
You have an ace in your back pocket when it comes to your health and wellness on and off the tailgating field -- your chiropractor. Seeing them regularly can help you prevent health issues before they get worse. They can also provide you with tips to help you make it through this football season unscathed.
Don’t forget when you’re tailgating to use teamwork too. That huge cooler you filled is heavy, so get help to move it and employ healthy lifting techniques when you do. It’s important to use the power of your legs and hips to lift and never your back.
Your best defense against chronic pain is a good defense and that’s where the chiropractors at The Joint come in handy. Put them on your roster today and come by for a huddle! Remember, you never need an appointment so you can fit it in during halftime, no problem.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cincinnati, Ohio.