Back Issues That Affect Athletes
Back issues can be common among athletes because of the extra physical demands their sports put on their bodies. If the pain is severe or even if it gets better but keeps coming back, it’s advisable to see a back doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Here are some back issues that affect athletes:
Degenerative Disc Disease
As an athlete, repetitive movements such as jumping, twisting, or running can put pressure on your discs and wear them down. When you have degenerative disc disease, you might experience radiating pain and stiffness. Some people also experience discomfort that comes and goes when performing certain movements, like bending or twisting.
To control these symptoms, a back doctor might recommend physical therapy to help strengthen muscles around your spine. In severe cases, a specialist may replace the damaged disc with an artificial one to relieve pain and restore normal function. You may also modify or reduce high-impact activities to prevent the worsening of this back condition.
Spinal Fractures (Spondylosis)
Also known as spondylosis, spinal fractures happen when an injury damages the spine, causing premature degeneration. With this disease, you can experience discomfort in your back and neck, preventing you from working out or doing other activities. In serious cases, disc degeneration presses on spinal nerves, causing tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
To help manage the soreness and swelling, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and muscle relaxants. Cortisone injections are a treatment option for more severe pain because they reduce inflammation surrounding the spinal nerves. In advanced cases, a doctor could recommend nerve blocks that help reduce pain in the affected area.
Muscle Strain
Sudden movements or poor technique while lifting or running can strain muscles in the back, leading to soreness. After a strain occurs, you might feel tightness or experience muscle spasms during or after any physical activity. The affected area may become swollen, and the skin might feel tender to the touch, preventing you from moving freely. To help reduce swelling and inflammation, a doctor may place ice on the muscle strain. A physical therapist may also suggest gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility.
Sciatica
If one of your discs slips out of place during a high-impact activity, it could press on the sciatic nerve. Poor posture during training and other exercises may cause the bones in your spine to misalign, also putting strain on the sciatic nerve. Tingling, numbness, and sharp pain are some common symptoms you can experience when you have sciatica. To help reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve, a physical therapist suggests gentle stretching. If the pain persists, a back specialist uses stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues and promote healing.
Book an Appointment With a Back Doctor
Whether you have a muscle strain, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or other back issues, visit a specialist to determine the extent of your injury and recommend treatment. Depending on the severity of your case, a back doctor personalizes treatment to manage the symptoms. Book an appointment with a doctor for treatment to improve your performance and comfort.
