Running

I must admit I really don't like running long distances. Running around Reeds Lake here in East Grand Rapids is pleasant enough. Now that the weather is cooling off, it has truly been ideal (when it's not raining).

Being a Chiropractor, I can't help but analyze gait patterns in my fellow runners (occupational hazard). It comes as no surprise to me that more 50% of all runners are injured at any given time. Low arches, high arches, and internal or external rotation of the foot, ankle and hip can transfer their poor biomechanics up the lower body chain to the pelvis and spine and create low back pain, sacroliac pain, sciatica, and even upper back and neck pain. This is not new information for the seasoned runner. Many physical therapists and shoe stores offer gait analysis, often for free. What often is lacking however, is a postural analysis.

Yes, posture is even more important when you are running. Who knows about good posture? I can tell you from experience that the average person is so far off, that they could not attain good posture if you asked them to. Standing up straight is not enough. How do you know if you are straight enough? How far does your head protrude out from over your shoulder? Are your shoulders aligned in front of or in back of your pelvis? How much is your pelvis tilted? Do you have too much curve, or maybe not enough curve in your low back? Most Chiropractors can give you this information with a simple postural analysis.

If you have had physical therapy and still have low back pain, or the back pain has been on and off for years, or you even have had spinal surgery and the pain has come back, a Chiropractor usually can help.

That's my two cents for today. Now it's off to see patients. Have a great day!