Rough Water and Your Spine: Back Care for Boaters and Anglers
With the Hillsboro Inlet a few minutes away, plenty of people in Lighthouse Point keep a boat behind the house or at a nearby marina. A day offshore is a great way to spend a weekend, but pounding through chop for hours, bracing against swells and hauling coolers or fish can leave your back and neck sore by Monday.
What happens to your body on a choppy ride
Each wave sends a jolt up through the hull, the seat and your spine. Standing at a leaning post, you absorb those jolts with your knees, hips and core. Sitting, they travel more directly into your low back. Add the twisting of casting, reeling or pulling up an anchor, and the muscles around the spine work hard all day.
Habits that can help
- Stand with your knees soft rather than locked when running in a sea, so your legs take more of the bounce.
- Ask the captain to trim and slow down in rough conditions; comfort usually improves a lot with a small change in speed.
- Lift coolers and tackle boxes from the dock with bent knees and the load close, and get help with anything heavy.
- Hydrate and cover up. Heat and dehydration make muscles fatigue sooner.
- Walk around and stretch gently once you are back on land instead of sitting straight down.
How the office approaches boating-related pain
When a boater visits McNamara Chiropractic Center in Lighthouse Point, the first step is understanding the problem: when it started, which movements bother it and what the day on the water involved. Dr. McNamara-Krauss then examines how the spine, hips and shoulders move and checks reflexes and sensation where relevant. If chiropractic care seems appropriate, she outlines a plan and explains why each part is recommended. Options at the practice include adjustments, Antalgic-Trac spinal decompression for certain disc-related problems, Class IV laser therapy and massage therapy.
Everyone responds differently, and progress is reviewed as care continues.
Red flags
A hard fall on deck, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, or pain that keeps you awake at night should be checked by a medical https://batchgeo.com/map/chiropractor-lighthouse-point-fl provider promptly.
McNamara Chiropractic Center
3320 North Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064(954) 902-6371This article is educational and does not replace a personal evaluation. Results vary from person to person.