Football, Chiropractors and Safety

August 19, 2010

Photo Credit: RonAlmog

The second week of NFL pre-season football is this weekend, which means college, high school and youth football is just around the corner. Do you have kids, husbands, brothers, dads or friends that like to play? There are a few things you should know.

First of all, chiropractic care is a huge part of football. All NFL teams offer players chiropractic services to help manage and prevent injuries. Running Back Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints – last year’s Superbowl champions – has been receiving regular chiropractic care since he was in high school.

“I look at chiropractic care as important to keeping me healthy and at the top of my game,” said Bush, the former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time National Champion while playing for the USC.

He’s not alone. 2010 NFL Hall Of Fame inductee Jerry Rice, and former Wide Receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, credits his regular chiropractic visits for his performance. “I did a lot of things to stay in the game, but regular visits to my chiropractor made all the difference,” Rice claimed.

Regular visits to a chiropractor can help football players (and really all athletes) of any age. If you or someone you know plays on a team or scrimmages with friends on the weekends, here are five tips to keep in mind throughout the season:

Keep your head up during contact (serious injury typically occurs when tackling with the head down).
Avoid initiating contact with the head during blocking and tackling (do not to use the helmet as a point of primary contact).
Stay attentive during tackling and blocking drills.
Protect your neck.
If you are injured or feel dizzy, disoriented, nauseated or have a headache, tell your coach, trainer or chiropractor.

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