Cameron Stewart, D.C.

Hello North Florida! Dr. Cam here.

Before my military service and chiropractic career, a huge part of my life revolved around athletics – specifically, throwing heavy things really far! In high school and college, I competed in shot put, discus, and hammer throw. These events require explosive power, precise technique, and place incredible rotational forces on the body, especially the spine and joints.

Think about the torque involved in spinning multiple times before launching a 16-pound hammer or the asymmetrical force needed to heave a shot put. While exhilarating, it’s also prime territory for developing imbalances, strains, and eventually, pain if mechanics aren’t spot-on and recovery isn’t prioritized. I saw my fair share of aches and minor injuries during those years, and I learned early on how crucial proper body mechanics and spinal health are for performance and injury prevention.

This applies to athletes of all kinds here in North Florida – whether you’re a weekend warrior, a student athlete, a runner, golfer, tennis player, or CrossFitter. Any repetitive or high-impact activity challenges your musculoskeletal system.

Why Spinal Health Matters for Athletes:

Your spine is your body’s central support structure and houses the nervous system, which controls every muscle movement, reflex, and function. Optimal spinal alignment and nerve function are key for:

1. Power & Performance: A well-aligned spine allows for efficient transfer of energy through the body. Restrictions can hinder power output and coordination. Think smoother golf swings, faster sprints, stronger lifts.
2. Range of Motion: Full, unrestricted movement in the spine and joints is crucial for proper technique and preventing compensatory strains elsewhere.
3. Injury Prevention: Misalignments can create imbalances, forcing some muscles and joints to work harder than others, increasing the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries.
4. Faster Recovery: Proper alignment supports optimal nerve function and blood flow, which are essential for muscle repair and recovery after intense training or competition.
   

Chiropractic Care for the Athlete:

As a chiropractor (and former thrower who understands these forces firsthand!), I work with athletes to:

• Identify & Correct Misalignments: Adjustments help restore proper joint mechanics, improving overall body function.
• Address Muscle Imbalances: We often incorporate advice on stretching and strengthening to support spinal health.
• Enhance Biomechanics: By ensuring joints are moving correctly, we can help athletes fine-tune their technique for better performance and reduced injury risk.
• Support Recovery: Chiropractic care can be a valuable part of an athlete’s recovery strategy, helping to reduce soreness and speed up healing.

My own experiences with managing the demands of throwing, coupled with my later struggles with herniated discs (more on that soon!), solidified my belief in proactive chiropractic care for anyone pushing their physical limits. It’s about more than just treating pain; it’s about optimizing function.

Want to improve your game, reduce your risk of injury, or recover faster? Let’s talk about how chiropractic can give you an edge.

Visit www.drcam.rocks to book your appointment. Let’s unlock your athletic potential!

Train smart,

Dr. Cam