Play it Safe to Avoid Back Pain

Author: Sharon Bell

Back muscles get strained, disks degenerate, and nerves are pinched. That’s what happens when you have back pain, a common complaint among athletes. Causes range from a strain, muscle overuse or a more ominous condition such as a herniated disc.

"What has emerged in much greater numbers recently is pain in the low back of our younger athletes in high school and college, especially in sports like baseball, tennis and gymnastics," said Dr. Brian Halpern, a sports medicine specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. "These activities generate tremendous rotational forces around areas in the lumbar spine, often resulting in overload of these structures."

Diagnosing this condition is difficult and often needs more precise imaging than X-rays to identify the problem. Thanks to bone scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), stress fractures of the spine can now be identified. In addition, MRI can also distinguish a herniated disc from a stress fracture, thereby using one study to rule out all possibilities.

Treatment of these lesions is not always easy. Experts say that relative rest can be effective but sometimes bracing is indicated and proper rehabilitation is needed. Most sports injuries can be avoided with the proper stretching and strengthening routine.

The majority of low back pain in athletes can be treated with conservative means. Treatments will vary depending on the cause of pain. Back strains may simply require a short period of limited activity, medication, and ice applications. When symptoms ease, athletes are usually able to resume their activities gradually, applying concepts of proper conditioning and warm ups.

Athletes are not the only ones who are susceptible to back injury. Data show that 80 percent of the population can experience significant back pain at some point in their lives. Your mother was right when she told you to watch your posture because that can fend off strain and pain. Play it safe to avoid further back injury.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like Phosoplex to reduce back pain and swelling. This natural product is a powerful and safe solution to back pain. It helps lubricate joints and rebuilds healthy cartilage. Phosoplex can give back your active lifestyle. Ease your back pain now. Visit www.phosoplex.com for details.