Back Injury in Sports

By Cindy Greene

Muscles of the Back

Back Spasms

• Spasms are the spontaneous and often painful contraction of a muscle.

• Can cause excruciating pain• Treatment is rest for a few days and anti-

inflammatory and muscle relaxant medications.• Use ice as long as you feel pain.• May need physical therapy that includes ice,

heat, electrical stimulation of muscles, stretching, and deep massage.

Herniated Disc

• Disk that has bulge out from its proper place in the back.

• Can be caused by a fall or accident, repeated straining of the back, sudden strenuous action such as lifting a heavy with or twisting violently.

• Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. They are back pain, numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in one or both legs, and changes in bladder and bowel habits.

Herniated Disc

Diagnosis of Herniated Disk

• Take History

• Check reflexes and movement in the legs

• Review S/S.

• May schedule X-rays, MRI, CT, electromyography, and myelography

Treatment of a Herniated Disk

• Several days of lying flat on the back on a firm surface

• Anti-inflammatory drugs• Pain relievers• Muscle relaxants• Hot or cold packs• Back massage• PT

Other Disc Problems

Lower Back Pain

• Usually occurs when a ligament or muscle that is holding a vertebra in its proper position is strained. The spine loses its stability, resulting in pain.

• There are many causes including prolonged sitting, standing or strenuous exercise.

Lower Back Pain Treatment

• Treatment is very similar to treatment of a herniated disc.

• Stretching and strengthening of the back and abdominal muscles is crucial.

Practice Lower Back Pain Exercises

• ***Standing Hamstring Stretch• Cat and Camel• Quadricep Arm/Leg Raises• Pelvic Tilt• Partial Ab Curl• Single Knee to Chest Stretch• Double Knee to Chest StretchPg 123 Patient Advisor

Sports Specific

• Basketball Back- People with long legs are more likely to have one leg that is longer than the other which can cause back pain. A heel lift may be needed. Long backs also require more muscle strength to stabilize the spine. Stretching exercises are crucial.

Sports Specific

• Cyclists may have back in a horizontal position that predisposes them to back pain.

• Stretching and strengthening along with raised handle bars can alleviate pain.

Sports Specific

• Gymnasts can fall and fracture the part of the front and rear portions of the vetebra (spondylolysis).

• Hyperflexibility can cause stress to the back.

• Stress fractures can cause up to 2 years of disability for an athlete.

Sports Specific

• Any athlete with poor body mechanics and/or weak back and abdominal muscles is at risk for back injury.