Preventing Nordic Skiing Injuries with Sam Weichel DC

This week I invited Sam Weichel, a seasoned sports chiropractor and former competitive Nordic skier, to share his professional insights and personal experiences on the intersection of back pain and cross-country skiing. Our conversation unravels the complexities of spinal flexion in the sport, debunking the myth that it's inherently harmful while underscoring the pivotal role of training load management. Sam's transition from athlete to chiropractor brings a unique blend of empathy and expertise to our discussion, particularly as we examine the delicate balance between pushing limits and fostering health.

Nordic skis may glide smoothly across the snow, but it's not without its bumps when it comes to athlete health and training. Sam and I dissect the nuances of load monitoring, nutrition, and the often-overlooked danger of over-training. We delve into the crucial role of intra-abdominal pressure, the protective embrace of lumbar spine muscles, and the warning signs that coaches and athletes should be attuned to. Sharing a personal anecdote about my brush with over-training syndrome, we underscore the importance of recovery and the subtly sophisticated art of training load calibration for both peak performance and longevity in the sport.

Prevention is better than cure, especially on the cross-country track, where early intervention could be the difference between a personal best and a season-ending injury. Our discussion ventures into the world of treatment modalities, from acupuncture to dry needling, celebrating the strides made in sports chiropractic care. Through Sam's lens, we address common misconceptions around injury treatment and extol the broader health contributions of Nordic skiing. Whether you are a skier tackling the trails or an enthusiast of endurance sports, this episode promises to equip you with knowledge to sustain your passion for the sport across every season.