Archive for category back injury

Proper Lifting Techniques for Your Spine review by KBNI Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Katy Sugarland, Woodlands, TMC

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Proper Lifting Techniques for Your Spine

 

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,  Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball,  Port Arthur, Conroe

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,
Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe

Simply put, many members of the public do not know how to lift while protecting their backs. Improper lifting techniques are one of the most common reasons for damage to the spinal column, including slipped spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae), torn muscles, compressed spinal nerves and chronic low back pain. When lifting, be sure to stay balanced and hold the weight close to your body. Weight held far away from the body while lifting multiplies the pressure placed on the spinal discs and muscles and can result in extremely sharp back pain. Also, make an effort to reduce torsional (twisting) movement while lifting. When you twist your back with significant weight in your arms / hands, you place a much higher weight on each side of the spine in isolation as you twist. This increases the likelihood of compressed spinal nerves as well as the chances for injury.

 

When lifting, engage your hips, legs, feet, and gluteus maximus muscles (buttocks). Keep the weight close to your body, and don’t waste energy twisting: have a destination in mind before you lift the object. If you have a history of back pain, be sure to discuss your potential lifting limits with your physician prior to undertaking a project. If degeneration in your spinal discs has compromised the integrity of your spinal column, you may have to limit yourself and make multiple trips even for relatively light projects (e.g. groceries).

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,  Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball,  Port Arthur, Conroe

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,
Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe

 

To supplement proper lifting techniques, talk to your doctor about physical therapy exercises you may be able to do at home. Physical therapy for the spine is typically focused on developing strong core muscles in the torso and along the spinal column. When strengthened, these muscles will assist the spinal discs, muscles, joints, and ligaments in managing the body’s weight distribution during routine movement. Keep in mind that your pain levels will likely fluctuate widely during physical therapy depending on the muscles engaged. Continue checking in with your physician to adjust your exercise regimen as needed. In the meantime, mediate your pain levels with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

 

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston

 

If, despite physical therapy and pain medication, you still cannot complete routine daily tasks without extreme back pain, back surgery may be necessary. A variety of procedures (such as spinal fusion, which fuses vertebrae together to combat spinal disc-related nerve pain) can be used to restore stability to the spinal column, reduce long-term pain levels, and ultimately maintain mobility as we age.

 

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center  (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.

Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

…….  281-713-6296

…….  Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE

……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain

 

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston

 

Keywords: back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,

Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball,  Port Arthur, Conroe

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Back Braces review by KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center

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Back Braces Review

 

spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston

spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston

Occasionally, physical trauma compromises the stability of the spinal column and causes extreme spine pain and back pain. Accidents, fractures, and degeneration in the spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) can all cause destabilization in the spinal column. Destabilization generally has serious consequences for patient mobility given that we depend on pain-free articulation of the spine for almost all of our routine daily movement (sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, etc.). Destabilization represents a serious health risk to the long-term mobility of patients, as nearby spinal nerves may be compressed or lacerated from shards of vertebrae or spinal discs damaged by trauma. Vertebral bone must be given time enough to heal within a framework of relative immobility.

spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston

spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston

Back braces provide this framework during the post-operative course of treatment and give patients the stability they need for their bodies to re-fuse portions of the spinal column. Generally, back braces are divided into two principal categories: corset braces (also known as elastic braces) and rigid braces. Corset braces are on occasion recommended after spinal fusion surgery to limit a patient’s motion by not allowing them to bend forward. They are also sometimes used by workers who regularly engage in heavy lifting on the job. Under such conditions, corset braces help reduce the likelihood of trauma to spinal disks (slipped or herniated disks) and torn muscles along the spinal column.

spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe

spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe

Rigid braces, on the other hand, are contoured to the patient’s body and limit at least 50% motion of the spinal column. Rigid braces are hotter, more unwieldy, and more uncomfortable than corset braces. Both kinds of brace operate on the principle that bone grows best when little movement is involved, allowing our osteoblasts (bone tissue-generating cells) to bridge the fracture gap with as little interruption and difficulty as possible. Based on the patient’s individual healing progress as well as the nature of the trauma to the spinal column, decisions to employ back braces are typically made on a case-by-case basis.

spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe

spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe

While both rigid braces and corset braces are effective at minimizing motion during the healing process, they are by no means the only avenue of physical rehabilitation in which a patient should engage. Consult your physician regarding physical therapy or chiropractic rehabilitation to re-develop muscles along the spinal column. Developing strong core muscles throughout the torso will assist degenerated or destabilized spinal disks in managing the body’s weight distribution during routine movement. Frequent checkups with your physician will allow individualized adjustments to your course of treatment.

Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX have great experience in treating patients with low back pain, neck pain, and injuries to the neck and low back.  In the majority of cases, surgery can be avoided.

 

Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

…….  281-713-6296

…….  Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE

……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain

 

 

Keywords: spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe, Galveston

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Mobility during Recovery from Back Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Memorial City

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MOBILITY DURING RECOVERY FROM BACK SURGERY

back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston

back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston

Normally, back surgery is treated as a last resort if more conservative treatments (i.e., physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs, facet joint injections, etc.) have failed to adequately reduce pain levels and restore mobility. Physicians and patients alike should approach back surgery as a calculated risk, one taken to maximize long-term health and mobility while giving the patient the best chance at consistently low-to-moderate pain levels during recovery. Post-operative care is a different matter entirely, however, as many patients aren’t prepared for the loss in mobility that comes after major back surgery. Large incisions, which in many back procedures are necessary to give the surgeon vision of the damaged portion of the spine, also can severely damage muscles and other soft tissue along the spinal column. This trauma greatly reduces patient mobility during post-operative care, as the muscles have essentially been rendered unable to do their jobs.

back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

For patients, compromised mobility can present maddening challenges during post-operative care, not to mention complications. For example, surgical site infection (SSI) occurs from contamination of the surgical site, either during the operation itself or at some point during recovery. SSI is particularly dangerous if the contamination is internal, such as a contaminated plate or screw that has been implanted to stabilize the spinal column (lumbar fusion) . Patients will most likely be unable to adequately check their own incision sites for signs of infection, so family members and friends may be needed for not only this task, but to change the patient’s dressing as well.

Physical therapy / chiropractic therapy during post-operative care for back surgery is generally focused on preserving long-term mobility. If the muscles along the spinal column that were damaged by the surgeon’s incisions are not adequately worked during recovery, patients may soon find themselves incapable of bending and twisting beyond the physician’s weight-related restrictions. In other words, avoiding physical therapy can potentially result in a permanent reduction in range of motion. On the other hand, too much activity can de-stabilize implanted devices and re-tear healing muscles, prolonging the healing process and increasing the likelihood for additional corrective surgeries.

back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

Physicians will likely recommend several checkup visits during post-operative care in order to accurately gauge your progress and make necessary adjustments to your physical therapy regimen. Some back pain is normal and expected, but if your pain changes suddenly or begins to radiate through your ribs, legs, or arms, seek medical attention. Radiating back pain and muscle weakness often signals spinal nerve compression, which over the long-term may cause nerve damage and permanent loss of sensation. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help mediate pain levels, though during the initial healing process, physicians may authorize stronger prescription pain medication.

Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have significant experience at taking care of patients with back problems, back injuries and other sources of back and neck pain.  They frequently see patients who are suffering from the symptom of neck pain, low back pain, and mid back pain, and have never received imaging studies of the spine.  Physicians at the KBNI will order the appropriate spinal imaging studies of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine as needed, and review the results with the patient.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center  (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.

Keywords: back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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Proper Lifting, Posture and Low Back Pain review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC

 

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spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture,  Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center

spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center

Proper Lifting, Posture and Low Back Pain review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City

Patients with low back pain worldwide can, following their injuries, attest to the importance of lifting correctly and using good posture of the body and of the spine. Improper lifting technique typically results in three different types of injury to the lumbar spine: 1) muscle injury, which can tear muscle tissue and affect mobility, 2) spinal disc injury, in which the shock-absorbing capability of the disc between our vertebrae is compromised, and 3) joint injury, in which repetitive load-bearing stress can wear out the pliable cartilage which covers the end of each spinal joint.  Keeping the spine and body in a proper posture will decrease strain on the muscles, joints and discs of the spine.  This will help to decrease the incidence or prevent low back pain.

spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture,  Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center

spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center

The key to avoiding spinal injuries while lifting is proper lifting technique and posture. First, be certain to keep the chest forward while bending at the hips, rather than at the lumbar spine. Bending over at the lumbar spine and lifting will dramatically increase intraspinal pressure, which increases incidence of muscle tears and herniated (ruptured) spinal discs. Bending at the hips, on the other hand, keeps the weight close to the body’s center of gravity and does not raise intraspinal pressure to nearly the same levels. Secondly, torsional movement (twisting) while lifting even small objects can produce a serious spinal injury relatively quickly. For larger objects that are too wide to grasp fully and keep close to the body, obtain the help of another person to minimize risk. Always keeping in mind proper posture is important.

After lifting and moving all of the requisite objects, low back pain may occur as a result of muscle fatigue. Be certain to give your back adequate time, rest, and healthy fuel to recover. If low back pain levels in or around the spinal column have not subsided within three days, medical consultation is advised. Physicians will typically conduct a series of physical tests designed to determine a patient’s range of motion. If mobility is compromised or if the patient’s range of motion is otherwise reduced, these tests will help lower the number of causes for the specific variety of spinal injury in question. Physicians may also require imaging tests (X-Rays, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging) to confirm their diagnosis, and to prescribe an accurate, effective course of treatment.

spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture,  Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

Chiropractors and physical therapists can help patients with education on the proper techniques for lifting and exercising, to prevent or treat low back pain.  Both chiropractors and physical therapists are experts in posture and biomechanics of the body, and injury prevention.  Chiropractors and physical therapists are experts in not only rehabilitating and strengthening the spine after an injury, but also in using good posture and biomechanics to prevent an injury to the spine.

Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have significant experience treating patients who have suffered an injury to the spine, and also in advising on the proper biomechanics and posture of the spine and body to prevent injuries to the spine and low back pain or neck pain.  They offer a wide range of treatment options for treating spine injury, and neck and low back pain.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center  (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.

Patients suffering from neck pain or back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

…….  281-713-6296

…….  Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online

……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain

Keywords: spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

 

spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture,  Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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Sports Injury, Back Injury, Spinal Injury Review KBNI Houston, Chiropractor, Chiropractic, Katy, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, TMC (Texas Medical Center), College Station, Bryan, Texas

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Sports Injury, Back Injury, Spinal Injury Review KBNI Houston, Chiropractor, Chiropractic,  Katy, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, TMC (Texas Medical Center), College Station, Bryan, Texas

Sports Injury, Back Injury, Spinal Injury Review KBNI Houston, Chiropractor, Chiropractic, Katy, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, TMC (Texas Medical Center), College Station, Bryan, Texas

Sports injury can result in back injury or other spinal injury to patients.  Prevention and proper treatment are important.  Experts in physical therapy or experts in chiropractic (chiropractor) can help with guidance.  Our spines are the seat of motion for our entire lives. Spinal nerves running through and along the spinal column provide sensation to many parts of the body, in addition to serving as avenues for sending signals to our voluntary muscle groups. While it is essential to our mobility, the spinal cord lacks durability to direct physical trauma, as well as regenerative capacity if sufficiently injured. The soft tissue of the spinal cord is what can have serious repercussions for mobility when it comes to sports injuries. Collisions, blows, dislocations, and other types of physical trauma sustained in impact sports injury can push fragments of bone into the spinal cord or otherwise compromise its normal function or normal anatomy. Once the spinal cord has been damaged, patients can lose sensation or motor function in all parts of the body that were previously governed by parts of the spinal cord below the site of injury. Back injury and spinal injury are a great concern, especially in an active society in which contact sports are popular.  When injury is major, a surgery on the spine may be needed.  When there is no significant structural damage to the spine, but injury involving muscle and ligament sprain or strain, therapy with a physical therapist, or chiropractic treatment with a chiropractor may be of benefit.

spinal injury back injury chiropractic chiropractor houston katy sugarland woodlands

spinal injury back injury chiropractic chiropractor houston katy sugarland woodlands

Due to spinal cord’s lack of regenerative capacity, spinal injury that is high on the spinal cord—in the cervical (neck) region—can be particularly serious, potentially causing paralysis in all of the limbs. The upper back (thoracic region) has extra support due to the structure of the ribcage and supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments, so it is less vulnerable to serious sports injury than the neck. As a result of these vulnerabilities, physicians typically exercise extreme caution when a spinal injury is suspected. During a sporting event, this means immobilizing the patient on a stretcher accompanied by very careful movement to minimize the chance of further damaging the spinal cord. Recovery from sports injury can often be unique to each patient depending on where the spinal cord was injured and in what manner. Intense physical therapy regimens are typically required to minimize further loss of mobility and, in some cases, to partially re-develop a patient’s ability to control their extremities. To reduce the chances of injuring the spine during sports, always complete a thorough regimen of light calisthenics and stretching prior to any intense activity. This will help prepare muscles, tendons, and ligaments for the increased stress that sports require. Experts to help with guidance in this area may be physical therapists, who can use physical therapy techniques, or chiropractic treatment in the hands of a chiropractor, who can educate in proper stretches and warmup activities.  Back injury and other spinal injury can have long lasting and devastating consequences.  Prevention can be accomplished by using good equipment, following proper rules of engagement, especially in contact sports, and by strengthening the surrounding musculature to support and protect the spine.  Experts in strengthening and conditioning the spine may be physical therapists who perform strengthening, or chiropractic treatment with a chiropractor who performs strengthening techniques. In summary, sports injury may result in back injury and other spinal injury, and can often be prevented or avoided, with the proper caution.  If it does occur, proper and prompt treatment are important.  Proper prevention is important, utilizing proper rules, equipment and strengthening.  Physical therapy or chiropractic treatment with a chiropractor may have excellent benefit. Experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Instiute (KBNI) in Houston, serve patients who have suffered sports injury, back injury, and other spinal injury, throughout the Houston and surrounding areas, including Katy, Woodlands, Memorial City, the TMC (Texas Medical Center), Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, College Station, Bryan, and other cities in Texas.  Patients with pain from an injury can be seen.  No imaging studies are needed.  KBNI expert physicians will obtain the appropriate imaging studies and other tests to help diagnose the cause of the pain. Patients can schedule a visit online at  www.SpineHealth.com or call 281-713-6296 Keywords: Sports Injury, Back Injury, Spinal Injury Review KBNI Houston, Chiropractor, Chiropractic,  Katy, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, TMC (Texas Medical Center), College Station, Bryan, Texas

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back injury chiropractor chiropractic houston katy woodlands sugarland kingwood

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Back Injuries and Sports review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Baytown, Sugarland, Beaumont, Wooodlands, Spring, Memorial City

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     Back Injuries and Sports: Houston

 

 

Which sport has the highest incidence of back injuries? If you answered football, hockey or basketball you guessed wrong. Spinal pathology occurs among male and female gymnasts, from children at the earliest competitive level to experienced adolescent and young adult gymnasts at the highest competitive level. Each year more than 80,000 gymnasts at all levels require medical attention. A great number of these injuries are to the back including sprains, strains, and spinal trauma such as herniated discs and fractures. In addition, gymnasts commonly experience injuries to the upper extremities (wrist, hand, elbow, clavicle, etc.) and lower extremities (knees, ankles, hips, tailbone, etc.).

The term gymnastics encompasses seven competitive categories: men’s artistic, women’s artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, group, trampoline and tumbling. The incidence of injury is highest in the men’s and women’s artistic categories. Both of these groups use various apparatus as part of their competitive routines. The women compete on the balance beam, uneven bars, vault and floor exercise. The men’s competition includes the horizontal (high) bar, parallel bars, still rings, vault, pommel horse, and floor exercise. The etiology of gymnastic spinal injury can include: exaggerated bending, arching and twisting of the spine; the jolt of tumbling routines in the floor exercise; rigorous, repetitive apparatus training; and, falls from the apparatus. In addition, it should be noted that the uneven bars, parallel bars, horizontal bar and rings place an exaggerated traction force on the gymnast.

The two predominant types of spinal injury are strains of the spinal muscles and spondylolysis. Also occurring to a lesser extent is spondylolisthesis. Both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are usually manifested at the 5th lumbar vertebra (L5), and to a lesser extent at the 4th lumbar vertebra (L4). Spondylolysis is a medical term for a lateral fracture of is a thin segment of vertebral bone (the pars interarticularis). Spondylolisthesis is the term used to describe the forward slippage of all or part of one vertebra onto an adjacent vertebra. The slippage is thought to be the result of the gymnast’s performance of repetitive hyperextension movement, such as an apparatus dismount. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis can occur at the same time, however, spondylolysis is not necessarily a precursor of spondylolisthesis. Another back injury gymnasts experience is Scheuermann’s disease (adolescent kyphosis) which involves two vertebra segments being forced into aberrant wedge-like shape. This causes a distended outward curve of the upper back.

The long term result of the various insults to the bones and muscles of a gymnast’s spine is pain running down the leg, limited mobility and chronic low back pain. “Herniated discs and disc degeneration also occur but to surprisingly lesser extent.” This is thought to be due to the gymnast’s intense conditioning, muscle strength and flexibility. Fortunately muscle sprain and ligament strain can be treated with rest and physical therapy. When pain persists, it is recommended that the gymnast be evaluated by a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic surgeon. It is also fortunate that catastrophic injury to the athlete is a relatively rare occurrence.”

The prevention of injury is of paramount importance. Parents and coaches should insist that all safety precautions are taken, especially in non-competitive situations (practice) where the bulk of injuries occur. This includes ensuring that spotters are in attendance, the apparatus is in good working order, the athlete uses the appropriate safety gear (hand grips, braces, pads, etc.), and there is a de-emphasis on “working through the pain.”

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