A whip-lash from a car accident is no match for what the fierce bulls and broncos did to the nation’s top-ranked cowboys at this year’s Kitsap County Rodeo.

“An 8 second bronco ride creates 14 to 17 whip-lashes, a car accident creates 2 to 4,” says Dr. David Stedman, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. He and Dr. Karen Busso of the Chiropractic Clinic in Silverdale volunteered to pick up the pieces — defeated or not — of the broken cowboys and put them back together so they could ride again.

“Wrestling a steer is like driving your car down a street going 30 MPH, opening the door and hugging your mailbox,” said Stedman. “With each 8 second rodeo ride, the cowboys suffer more damage to their backs and joints than you or I experience in 5 years of life and living.”

The multiple injuries to the neck, back and joints rodeo cowboys suffer are by far among the most gruesome in any major sport and of particular concern of doctors of chiropractic.

That’s why he and Busso feel compelled to volunteer their time to the cowboys. This will be the eighth year Stedman has done so. Both he and Busso were on duty before, during and after each rodeo performance.

Reach both at (360) 698-3140.