by Tina M. Gottlieb, D.C.
“Heading” (hitting the ball with your head) in soccer has recently come under a lot of scrutiny. The studies are early, but the results lead to definite concern over those who choose to head the ball in soccer. The evidence is showing that repetitive striking of the head can cause micro-traumas to the brain. A Finnish study showed that soccer and American football players had tiny spots on their brain scans that the non-athletes in the study did not. They believe the spots may be scar tissue or fluid-filled spaces formed when brain tissue breaks down following trauma to the head.
Until research is more concrete, I feel there is enough reason to take precautions to prevent injury to children in particular. It is not just one heading that is the problem; it is the recurring trauma of repetitive heading which over time, could lead to serious problems.
Suggestions for your soccer players:
1. Make sure proper technique is used when “heading” the ball.
2. Limit the extent to which players use heading.
3. In wet weather, require ball changes frequently because the more moisture a ball accumulates, the heavier it becomes.
Remember that if you or your children participate in any contact sport, regular chiropractic care is critical. It will help keep the spine aligned, reduce the chances of interference to the nervous system, and help prevent long-term damage. I’ve had many patients in their 30’s and older whose only physical traumas in life occurred when they were children. Left untreated until adulthood, they caused significant damage.
What is a contact sport? Anything that may cause you to have impact with another person, the ground, or an object.Soccer, football, hockey, cheerleading, basketball, motocross, skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding … to name a few!
For more information, visit Dr. Tina’s website at www.drtinachiropractic.com or contact her office at (951) 699-5161.