Tackling Football Season - Surviving as a Vikings Fan

Ah, football season! That magical time of year when we Minnesota Vikings fans optimistically break out our purple and gold gear, dust off our “This is Our Year” mugs, and prepare our backs (and souls) for the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with supporting this team. As a chiropractor, I’ve come to realize that there’s more overlap between the gridiron and the spine than you might think. Sit back (straight), relax (gently), and let’s explore how football season can make or break your back—literally.

First, let’s talk about game day posture. We all know the drill: you settle into your couch, pre-game snacks at the ready, ready for kickoff. Your spine? It’s on its own! Most of us start off strong, sitting upright, feet flat on the floor, ready to cheer. By the end of the first quarter—especially if it’s one of those classic Vikings starts—you’re slumped over, elbows on your knees, hands cradling your head in disbelief. This hunched-over “Please Make a Play” posture is a chiropractor’s nightmare and a fan’s default.

Let’s not forget about those heart-stopping moments when Kirk Cousins has the ball and it’s 4th and long. Your body naturally tenses, and suddenly you’re clenching every muscle from your jaw to your lower back. We call that “The Purple Tension Syndrome.” If you catch yourself jumping off the couch to either celebrate or lament yet another close-but-not-quite play, make sure to lift with your legs, not your back. Those spontaneous leaps can cause a subluxation faster than a Dalvin Cook sprint.

As your chiropractor, I’m here to remind you: those sudden victory dances—rare but cherished—can be dangerous too. One minute, you’re celebrating a Justin Jefferson touchdown; the next, you’re icing your back because you forgot that you’re not 25 anymore. And don’t get me started on the dreaded “Couch-Gating” injuries that happen when you twist too hard reaching for nachos during a big play.

But hey, this is all part of being a Vikings fan, right? A little spine strain is nothing compared to the emotional toll we’ve already committed to. So, as you gear up for another season of hopeful highs and inevitable lows, remember: good posture, a healthy spine, and a reliable chiropractor are just as important as a strong defensive line. After all, both you and the Vikings need all the support you can get!