We've all been to the fair to cheer for the competitors that jump from horses to wrestle a steer to the ground or try to stay on a bronc or bull for a jaw-busting eight-second ride. But after the dust has been brushed off and cinches picked up, the next thing that is probably on a cowboy or cowgirl's mind is the next rodeo - not the condition of their spine.

Not surprisingly, the greatest injury frequency and injury incident density are in the rough stock events - bull riding, bareback riding and saddle bronc. Torn rotator cuffs, whiplash and the same damage a boxer gets from punches to the head are just a few injuries riders could sustain, maybe even more if they get hung up in the rigging and get dragged around for a bit. Sometimes these injuries can be severe - fractures, concussions, spinal cord injuries. "Whiplash" is a nonspecific term applied to injuries to the spine and spinal cord due to sudden extension of the neck. The symptoms often show up several days to weeks later. The neck will be stiff, sore and may ache. Headaches, especially in the back of the head, are common.

Of course, the riders take precautions to try and prevent injury. Vests and neck rolls are worn to reduce the severity and frequency of the indirect whiplash forces on the spine as well as reduce any ground impact or being stepped on by the bull or bronc. Some competitors will also wear a helmet instead of the traditional, albeit much less protective, cowboy hat; all this to prolong rodeo careers and prevent potentially permanent disabilities.

Proper spinal alignment can play a big roll in performance; let's take bull riding for example. Judges look for constant control and rhythm in the rider in matching his movements with the bull. Points are usually deducted if a rider is constantly off balance. Our spine acts as a fluid, mobile structure; its "S" shape acting as a giant spring to absorb shock of impacts. Now think about the compression and whiplash forces that occur during that eight-second ride. Not only is proper alignment essential to allow for absorption of these shocks as well as compensation for the quick movements of the animal. Post ride chiropractic care should also be done to correct any misalignments that those same actions might have caused. So, come in and get your spine checked, both before your ride and after! Your ability to compete for years to come will improve if your spine is taken care of before symptoms occur.

Call us at (208) 667-7434 or see us at our office at 370 E. Kathleen Ave., Suite 600, Coeur d'Alene. You can also visit our website at www.CDAHealth.com or find us on Facebook.