The Journal article reported on the results of a survey of NFL

trainers on their usage and referral to chiropractic care. Participants

of the survey were head athletic trainers of the 36 National

Football League teams. They were all men and all had at least

17 years of experience. The results of the survey showed that

45% percent of the trainers themselves have been treated by a

chiropractor.�Presently 31 percent of NFL teams use chiropractors

in an official capacity as part of their staffs. However, even

though not necessarily on the staff of the NFL team a full 77

percent of the trainers have referred to a chiropractor for evaluation

or treatment.� Probably the most telling result of the survey

is that 100 percent of trainers agree that players use chiropractic

care without referral from team medical staff.

In the October 16, 1998 issue of the USA Today, was an article

that featured Emmitt Smith, a football star from the Dallas Cowboys.

Emmitt Smith is one of the best players in the game and was in

his ninth season as a professional. The article discusses his

healthy lifestyle, which includes regular chiropractic care. "I

started doing this about four or five years ago," Smith

said. "I believe that what I'm doing is what helps me go

on."

Smith joins an ever-growing list of professional athletes who

regularly receive chiropractic adjustments. In June during the

NBA basketball finals star players Scottie Pippin and John Stockton

were among those who received chiropractic care during breaks

in the sixth and final game of the championship series. Even

world heavyweight champion boxer Evander Holyfield has been under

care for years and regularly receives adjustments during training,

as well as immediately prior to his fights. These athletes and

many more recognize the importance of a subluxation�free body

for maximum performance and health.

With the upcoming school sports seasons upon us, it is important

that our young athletes and cheerleaders have their spines checked

for spinal misalignment (subluxation).�Gone untreated this menacing

problem causes untold health problems.�In over 10 years of practice,

I have worked with a number of young athletes. They respond well

and quickly to our gentle, specific technique.�More frequently,

however, I see them years after the initial injury, when they

develop chronic back pain with or without sciatica, neck or shoulder

pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic fatigue,

to name a few.�These individuals usually do not relate their

symptom to the initial injury sustained during their high school

or recreational athletics. Premature wear and tear of spinal

joints can be prevented with the early detection and correction

of spinal misalignment.

Several retired high school and college athletes, who have been

my patients, credit their performance at tennis and golf to their

chiropractic care.�We will talk about the benefits of Chiropractic

Care on young and mature athletes alike Thursday, Sept. 30, at

3 p.m. at Heritage of Peachtree Retirement & Assisted Living

Center, 1967 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville, or call for a free consultation

at our office,�Durden Chiropractic Clinic, 1130 Senoia Road,

Suite B-4, Tyrone at 770-460-2036.

- Dr. Marilyn L. Durden

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