Sports Injuries

Back Injuries, and Back Pain

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and sports are one approach many people choose to use to get their exercise.

For people with back pain, sports can still be a viable option if they pay attention to their back.

For others who participate in sports, knowing the type of strain various sports place on the back may help prevent a back injury.

This article give specific information about sports injuries and back pain.

Types of Sports-Related Back Injuries

When participating in any sport, injuries to any part of the spine are possible, as well as injuries to the soft tissue and fascia that help comprise the makeup of the body.  Up to 20% of all injuries that occur in sports involve an injury to the lower back or neck.

Lower Back injury

The lower back is subject to a great deal of strain in many sports.  Sports that use repetitive impact (e.g., running), a twisting motion (e.g., golf), or weight loading at the end of a range-of-motion (e.g., weightlifting) commonly cause damage to the lower back.

Neck Injury

The neck is most commonly injured in sports that involve contact (e.g., football), which place the cervical spine (neck) at risk of injury.

Upper Back Injury

The thoracic spine (mid portion of the spine at the level of the rib cage) is less likely to be injured because it is relatively immobile and has extra support.  Injuries seen here can involve rib fracture and intercostals neuralgia as well as intercostals muscle strains in sports that involve rotation of the torso (e.g., weight training with rotation), swimming, golf, tennis and even skiing.

Stretching and Warm-Up Prior to Exercise

While static stretching prior to any type of exercise used to be recommended, a number of studies in recent years have shown that stretching the muscles prior to exercise is not needed.  A number of studies have shown that it does not help prevent injury, and likely does no harm either.

For every sport, a thorough warm-up should be completed before starting to play.  The warm-up will target the muscles used in that sport, but it should also prepare the back for the stresses to come.

The warm-up used should be specific to the sport to be played.  A typical warm-up should include:

-Increase circulation gradually by doing some easy movement (such as walking) to increase blood circulation to the muscles and ligaments of the back;

-Stretch the lower and upper back and related muscles, including hamstrings and quadriceps

-Start slowly with the sport movements (e.g., swing the golf club, serve the ball)

If you have questions please talk with me. I can help you determine what your limits might be and suggest an appropriate amount of exercise and exertion.  I can also help you with up to date information on the latest evidence related to stretching, exercise routines for specific sports and additional information designed to benefit your personal routine.

After over 20 years in the health field I know professionals or instructors in almost every sport who are willing to share their expertise.  Ideally, someone with this type of expertise can teach the correct form for a new sport or help develop and keep the proper technique for a current sport.

Dr. David B. Thomson