Chiropractic Care for Athletes in Winnebago

Years ago, I met a young man named Ryan. He was a chiropractic student who came to train in my office. At 24, he was vibrant and on the outside appeared very healthy, but he had a secret.

One of the first things I do when I train a chiropractic student in Winnebago IL is a history, exam, and x-rays. As we went through his history, it all seemed very normal. He was an active kid. He played lots of sports and had no major injuries. He was from the great state of Wyoming and said he had played tackle football since he was 6 years old until he was a Freshman in college. I asked why he stopped and what he said next shocked me. When he was 19 he started to have low back pain, nothing too severe, but it was effecting his ability to play ball, so he went to the doctor. The doctor referred him to an orthopedist.

Avoiding Unnecessary Surgeries in Winnebago IL

At that point, he was told he had a severe disc herniation and arthritis in his low back that would require surgery. He would never play football again. He was devastated. This changed everything. He was at this school because he had a full scholarship to play football. He had the surgery, was able to finish college, and now he sat with me getting ready to graduate with his doctorate. He had tears in his eyes. When I asked why this was so emotional he said "What if my mom would have known about chiropractic? Do you think I would have needed the surgery?" I always tell patients we can't change the past, we can only move forward from here, but of course I believe that the sooner we start care, the healthier the rest of our lives will be.

Now, before you think I am saying that kids should not play sports, I am NOT saying that. Kids who are active are much healthier than kids who play video games all day (that is a discussion for another time). The reality is, kids bodies get beat up playing sports. When Ryan asked his mom why she did not have him adjusted, she said she did not know anything about chiropractic at the time, but if she knew, she would have taken him for sure. She asked that we tell our patients at Freedlund Family Chiropractic & Nutrition in Winnebago this story. She understands the time, energy, and money you have invested in your athletes. Make their health the most important investment.