At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we take a methodical approach to shin splints, focusing on finding and addressing the root cause rather than just managing symptoms. Through our detailed assessment process, we examine the entire kinetic chain to understand why this painful condition has developed. The better we define the cause of the problem, the better we can restore proper function, allowing you to get back to what you love, for longer.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, commonly known as shin splints, can be debilitating for runners, footballers, dancers, and military personnel. The condition typically presents as intense pain along the shin bone, often described as a "ripping" sensation. While rest may provide temporary relief, getting to the root cause is crucial for you to be able to return to what you love.
Shin splints develop when excessive stress affects the tibia's (lower leg bone) outer layer where tendons attach. This stress creates micro-tears in the bone's outer layer, leading to inflammation and pain. However, the key to lasting results lies in understanding why this stress occurs in the first place and address this.
Essentially, shin splints is due to the muscle tightening up so much that it starts to tear the part where it ataches onto the bone, via the tendon. While the pain manifests in your shins, the root cause often lies elsewhere. Muscles don't simply tighten independently – they respond to signals from your nervous system and are influenced by surrounding structures. This is why a detailed analysis of your entire neurological and mechanical system is essential, including:
Using the gold-standard Gonstead Chiropractic system, we:
