Dehydration in athletes can lead to fatigue, headaches, decreased coordination, and muscle cramping. Other heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, have even more serious consequences. It’s important for athletes to pay attention to what and how much water they’re drinking before, during, and after exercise.

For a long run or workout, make sure your athletes are well-hydrated during the days leading up to the workout. Making sure they’re well-hydrated before a long workout will help decrease their chances of dehydration following the workout.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, or the thick, tough tissue that connects the bones together, keeping the body in a normal alignment. By keeping the skeleton in line, ligaments help to avoid abnormal movements; however, when too much force is applied, the ligament typically suffers a sprain.

Stress can create a frustrating cycle of tension and discomfort in your spine and whole body. Understanding the link between stress and back pain—and adopting effective coping strategies—can help you manage pain more effectively and improve your overall well-being.

How Stress Contributes to Back Pain

When you're stressed, your body reacts by tensing muscles, increasing inflammation, and heightening pain perception. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the back and neck.

Back and neck pain can be disruptive, whether due to an injury, chronic condition, or postsurgical recovery. One of the most common questions spine patients ask is whether to use heat or ice for pain relief. Both therapies can be effective, but knowing when to apply each is key to optimizing recovery and reducing discomfort.

Problems with your spine negatively affect your life in many ways. Chronic pain from spinal issues isn’t always manageable through conservative means. If you’re still in pain, spine surgery is often the next step in your treatment plan. To prepare for your spinal procedure, follow these five crucial steps before surgery.

Steps to Prepare for Spine Surgery

1. Prioritize Your Health