Lumbar spine Injuries: Lumbar spine injuries in athletes are not uncommon and usually take the form of a mild muscle strain or sprain. More severe injuries sustained by athletes include disc herniations, spondylolisthesis, and various types of fracture. The recognition and management of these injuries in athletes involve the additional consideration that to return to play, the lumbar spine must be able to withstand forces similar to those that were injurious.
Vertebral Stress Fractures
Repetitive twisting, turning and extending movements place a tremendous amount of stress on the spinal vertebrae. An overloaded spine is prone to sustain tiny vertebral cracks, known as stress fractures. These fractures are most common in:
- Golfers
- Gymnasts
- Cheerleaders
- Dancers
- Divers
- Volleyball players
Common vertebral stress fracture symptoms are pain, swelling and bruising. The best way to reduce symptoms, and also prevent future fractures, is to avoid over-training or consulting a spine specialist when you experience any symptoms as ignoring these symptoms can often make the condition worse.
Lower Back Strains and Sprains
Most common in golfers, weightlifters and gymnasts, lower back muscle strains and ligament sprains can limit athletic performance. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness. When left untreated, symptoms progressively get worse, sometimes sidelining the athlete.
The best preventative measure athletes can take is to participate in a comprehensive physical therapy program aimed at strengthening and stretching the lower back.
Herniated Discs
Athletes, to varying degrees, flex their spine during practice and competition. When the body twists or turns while the spine is flexed, a substantial load is placed on the intervertebral discs. Overloaded discs can begin to “slip” and result in an injury known as a herniated disc. Common reasons for this type of injury are:
- Overtraining
- Improper muscle balance
- Poor technique
- Overexertion
Symptoms include pain, radiating pain, weakness, and numbness in the spine and/or extremities.