It's common for people to ignore discomfort during physical activities, hoping it will resolve on its own with time or training. However, certain types of pain or discomfort may indicate more significant problems. For example, a runner or cyclist might experience constant lower back pain while sitting at a desk at work, but the pain seems to disappear during long runs/rides. They might attribute this pain to their work environment rather than their physical exercise. While sitting also likely contributes to the pain, it is likely due to tight hip flexors/iliopsoas muscles, which are shortened and strengthened during these exercises. If these muscles are not lengthened and released or if the tension is not neutralized by equal tension in opposing muscles, a person may feel discomfort in the posterior hip/lower back, as the pelvic girdle is pulled into an interior tilt. If left unaddressed, this can increase the risk of serious injury. The longer a person moves in a dysfunctional pattern, the more time it usually takes to reverse the pattern. It's important for athletes at all levels to recognize and treat any discomfort or pain, even if it doesn't seem sport-related. North Mesa Performance Chiropractic has a team of experts in various disciples who work together to provide appropriate and effective care tailored to each of our patients and clients, helping to prevent future complications and support long-term physical health.