Don't Let the Cold Stop You From Training

While this winter has not been as frigid in years past, it can still be challenging to get out for your run in the morning when your bed is so warm and it's cold and dark outside. And when it's dark by the time you get home after work, the last thing you want to do is lace up your shoes for that training run you skipped in the morning.

The short days and cold weather often derail us from our good intentions to train through the winter. However, sometimes all that is needed is a little motivation to get us out the door for that run or bike ride. Signing up for a spring race can often provide that bit of encouragement that keeps us going during the winter. Here are a few racing opportunities in the DC area that can be that motivation for you!

March 17 – Rock N' Rock Marathon/Half Marathon 

This race is sold out for 2012, but they are still looking for volunteers! Getting out to support fellow runners can also be a great source of motivation for your next race!

April 22 – GW Parkway Classic

10 mile – starts at Mt. Vernon and finishes in Old Town Alexandria

5K – begins at the Belle Haven Marina and finishes in Old Town Alexandria

Net downhill course is a fun, scenic route that is well organized and very fun!

April 28 – Paul's Ride for Life

Ride along the W&OD trail starting in Reston, VA. Distance options include 10, 20, and ½ Century rides. The proceeds for the race benefit the Washington Regional Transplant Community in memory of Paul Rossmeissl.

May 19-20 – Warrior Dash

Located in Mechanicsville, MD, this adventure obstacle race covers 3.02 miles of mud, water, and other challenges for you and your friends!

June 17 – DC Triathlon (Olympic/sprint)

Swim in the Potomac River, bike through the parks of DC, and run by the monuments in one of DC's most popular races!

In addition to these bigger races, there are many 5k and 10k races taking place almost every weekend in this area. Check out your local running store or visit www.runwashington.com to find the perfect race to motivate you to keep training!

Treating Neck Pain

Neck pain can appear in many forms, and is unfortunately very prevalent among those who spend the day sitting at a computer or commuting. In addition, injury to the neck can also result in pain that sends you look for some form of relief. Common treatments have included medication and rest, but researchers have found other sources of relieving neck pain that may be more successful.

A recent study performed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggested that conservative care, such as spinal manipulation, for neck pain provided more relief than exercises alone or medication. Over 250 adults experiencing neck pain were divided into 3 groups for the 12 week study. Each group received a different treatment option: spinal manipulation, an exercise program, or medication.

Participants were evaluated every 2 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after the completion of the study. At the end of the 12 week study, 82% of those receiving spinal manipulation therapy reported a decrease in pain by at least 50%. In comparison, 77% of the exercise group and 69% of the medication group reported the same decrease in pain. For long term results, those in the spinal manipulation group again had a larger decrease in pain. At 6 months, 75% reported a 50% decrease in pain and after a year, 81% of those receiving spinal manipulation were maintaining the decreased pain levels. Those in the exercise group experiencing a 50% decrease in pain was 71% at 6 months and 69% after 1 year. The medication group was 59% and 69%, respectively.

The conclusion of the study revealed that in the case of neck pain, patients showed the most improvement with conservative care through spinal manipulation for both short-term and long-term pain relief. So the next time neck pain appears, instead of reaching into the medicine cabinet, try an alternative form of treatment and give your chiropractor a call!

References:

• Bronfort, Gert, Roni Evans, Alfred Anderson, Kenneth Svendsen, Yiscah Bracha, and Richard Grimm.  "Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise with Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain: A Randomized Trial." Ann Intern Med 156 (2012): 1-10. Annals of Interal Medicine. American College of Physicians, 3 Jan. 2012. 6 Feb. 2012.
• Crownfield, Peter W. "Conservative Care Beats Medication for Neck Pain." Dynamic Chiropractic 12 Feb. 2012: 1, 8, 14.