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Many athletes, specifically running athletes, frequently
seek chiropractic treatment for iliotibial band syndrome. These individuals often
describe feeling radiating pain that begins on the outside of their knee that extends
throughout their thighs, hips, and even their lower back.
The iliotibial band, or the IT band, is a cord of connective
tissue that starts at the side ridge of the pelvis, or the ilium, and travels
down the side of the leg, attaching into the weight bearing bone of the lower
leg, or the tibia, located near the knee.
IT band syndrome is a very common condition occurring in
runners and cyclists. This condition frequently results from any activity that causes
the leg to turn inward repeatedly. Wearing improper or worn-out shoes, running
downhill and constantly in the same direction, or simply from running too many
miles, iliotibial band syndrome is an injury caused by overuse where constant
rubbing between the band and the bone irritates the tissue and causes
inflammation.
For many athletes, their back and hip mechanics aren’t
functioning normally as to avoid injury. Individuals lacking core strength or
those whom have previously suffered a spine injury or condition resulting in a
spinal misalignment may have an improper running posture or gait. As a result,
the instability between an individual’s spine and hip alignment can begin to
shift the hips to one side with every stroke, eventually leading to the
development of IT band syndrome.
When an athlete visits a chiropractic office for treatment,
a chiropractor will first start by assessing the athletes low back mechanics. The
chiropractor will also assess the mobility of the hips, looking closely at the
movements of the femoral heads in relation to the movements of the spine and each
femur. By doing this, the chiropractor can determine the presence of a spinal
misalignment that could be causing an altered posture for the running athlete,
indicating the root cause of their iliotibial band syndrome. Finally, through
spinal adjustments and manual manipulation, the chiropractor can restore the
natural alignment of the spine, gradually improving the individual’s IT band
syndrome and its symptoms as well as the runner’s gait and running posture to
prevent further complications.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
