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Spine & Sport

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Spine and Sport

The spine is the major link in the kinetic chain responsible for the creation of large amounts of force.  Having a healthy spine helps lead to a well conditioned athlete.

Injuries to the spine are common with sports that involve spinal rotation.  These include sports such as tennis or golf.  The force generated through the spine in these sports can lead to a tear of the outer fibers that contain the intervertebral disc.  This can lead to acute back pain or, in more severe cases, a herniated disc.

Sports that include back extension can also lead to spinal problems.  Activities such as gymnastics, crew, and football can lead to stress fractures in the regions between the small joints of the low back.  This condition, called spondylolysis, can lead to extended periods off competition for extensive physical therapy.  On rare occasions, this fracture needs to be surgically stabilized.

Direct blow injuries from contact sports can also lead to muscular contusions/bruising, as well as small fractures from directed force to the vertebral elements.

These injuries are managed according to the classified injury pattern seen.  Treatments such as ice, heat, massage, and anti-inflammatories are often prescribed.  Sports-specific physical therapy may also be required to stabilize and strengthen the spine.  Short-term bracing may also be necessary.  Surgery is reserved for cases with poor non-operative outcome.

Patient-athletes affiliated with team sports are managed in conjunction  with their team coaches and trainers.  

 

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Last modified: April 09, 2003
The information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician.