Whether you are a weekend warrior or a high school, collegiate, or professional athlete, chances are that you have experienced back pain at some point in your athletic career. The most common type of back injury for New Jersey athletes is muscle strain, which can occur when muscles become adjusted to sudden movements and change in posture after being used repetitively over time. These types of injuries result from the body’s response to fatigue and inadequate recovery time between workouts or practices.
Athletes who experience back pain are at risk of losing their ability to compete. If you’re an athlete suffering from chronic low-back pain or know someone who might need these services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a New Jersey Back Pain specialist. They specialize in treating lower back injuries and providing therapy options that will help prevent them from happening again. This article will outline how athletes can prevent and treat this debilitating condition.
Causes
It is estimated that back pain affects as many as 80% of people at some point in their lives.
Poor posture
- Slouching or bending forward can put pressure on the lower spine, which may cause compression and irritation of nerve roots and discs.
- Avoid sitting with your knees higher than your hips.
- Avoid carrying heavy items close to your waistline.
- Use lumbar support when sitting.
Incorrect footwear
Wearing shoes that don’t properly fit may result in increased stress on the:
- Feet
- Ankles
- Legs
- Back
- Neck
- Head
The stress in these areas will lead to back pain.
Signs
Athletes often experience back pain from overuse. When athletes get an injury, they try to play through it until the pain becomes unbearable or can’t walk anymore.
The most common lower back injuries in athletes are muscle strain and lumbar disc herniation.
Lower back pain is one of the most common injuries for any athlete playing sports involving running, jumping, or lifting weights.
It’s essential to know some basic signs so you can help yourself before things get worse. These signs include:
- Pain in the middle of your lower spine
- A deep ache with no obvious cause
- Difficulty walking
Treatment
The first step is identifying the type of athlete you are, what activities you participate in, and your training schedule. Once these factors have been established, it’s easier to identify an underlying cause for the pain, such as a disc herniation or arthritis, which should be treated by a medical professional before any other steps are taken. There are many other things you can do to prevent back pain from occurring or getting worse, such as:
- Increasing activity levels gradually while maintaining proper posture during movement
- Stretching muscles regularly before and after exercise
- Taking breaks when needed so as not to overwork them with repetitive motions throughout the day
- Using ergonomic chairs/desks
- Using heat or cold packs
- Changing positions often and do back strengthening exercises
- Drinking lots of water to keep your muscles hydrated
- Sleeping on a firm mattress with good support
In conclusion, athletes are at a much higher risk for developing chronic low-back pain due to the demands of their sport. The most common causes of this type of injury are repetitive overuse and muscle imbalance, leading to excessive stress on the discs between the vertebrae. With proper treatment, athletes should be able to return to sports without any problems.