DURHAM, N.C., June 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raleigh-Durham Chiropractor Dr. David Leidich is raising awareness about the increase of youth sports injuries. According to Dr. Leidich, parents need to be aware about the dangers of common youth sports injuries because these accidents can have a long-term effect on a child's developing musculoskeletal system. Common injuries include concussions, sprains and strains, broken bones, and repetitive motion injuries such as tendonitis. The chiropractor cautions that without proper care, children's injuries will not properly heal. According to Dr. Leidich, this can create long-term musculoskeletal problems. The chiropractor also stated that many parents do not understand that chiropractic care is safe for children.
The Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Durham, NC is urging parents to ensure that children receive proper care for childhood sports injuries. Dr. Leidich reports that he has seen a sharp increase in childhood sports injuries.
"In the last few years as youth sports become increasingly competitive, I have seen a significant increase in Raleigh childhood sports injuries," said Dr. Leidich. "Unfortunately, many of these injuries are due to previous accident injuries that were never properly treated. I strongly recommend that parents take their children to a chiropractor for an exam. Failure to properly treat injuries early in life can set children up for long-term health problems as adults."
According to Dr. Leidich, the most common youth sports injuries are concussions, repetitive motion injuries, sprains and strains, and broken bones. The chiropractor says that many of these injuries can be prevented through chiropractic care. He went on to say that because it is a natural treatment method that works with the body, chiropractic care is very safe for children.
"My first recommendation to parents is always the same: be sure your child has the right protective gear," said Dr. Leidich. "Don't send your child onto the football field without a helmet that fits right – and never let a child ride a bike without a helmet. Other sports equipment, such as shin guards, mouth guards and padding, can help protect smaller bodies."
Dr. Leidich also recommends regular Durham chiropractic exams to help keep the body properly aligned. According to the chiropractor, natural wear and tear from athletic activities can cause a misalignment in the musculoskeletal system. Without proper treatment, this misalignment can affect the body and damage growing nerves.
"An increasing number of my patients are young children complaining of "adult" health problems, such as back pain, neck pain, or elbow pain," said Dr. Leidich. "Competitive childhood athletics can injure a young body. Repetitive motions, such as improperly swinging a tennis racket, may damage developing ligaments and tendons. One way to reduce the risk of these injuries is through regular chiropractic adjustments. By keeping the body properly aligned, we can help minimize the potential for injury."
The North Carolina wellness center provides full diagnostic exams, including pre and post-treatment X rays. Dr. Leidich uses gentle, hands-on adjustments to treat children and adults.