Back Pain: 3 Myths About Sports-Related Spine Injuries

Fact vs. Fiction In Spinal Sports Injuries

Sports-related spine injuries can range from relatively mild strains to severe, life-threatening fractures. In many cases, however, people can make full recoveries from sports-related spine injuries. Consider these 3 myths about back pain and sports injuries.

1. Myth: Severe back pain always means a severe injury

The degree of back pain from an injury can vary significantly from person to person. Some people may feel like a pulled muscle hurts quite a bit, and many even go to the emergency room for the pain. Conversely, a herniated disc may cause no symptoms but occur near a spinal nerve and require urgent treatment. The degree of pain doesn’t always correlate with the degree of the injury.

2. Myth: Back pain always points to one specific injury

While many people can point to one specific injury on the playing field, others experience spinal injuries that have less clear causes. There’s no single test to diagnose all possible underlying causes of back pain, so some people have to go through many tests to find the root issue. Many cases of back pain don’t have one specific underlying injury, but the pain is still real.

3. Myth: Herniated discs always require surgery

A herniated disc is one of the most common back injuries. Many people assume an invasive operation is the required treatment. But surgery is rarely the first line of treatment for a herniated disc. Many people experience symptom improvement in 2-3 months with noninvasive treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.

Types of sports-related spinal injuries

The severity of a spinal injury depends on several factors, including the part of the spine that is affected. People may have cervical spine injuries, which affect the neck and can be among the most severe. Lumbar spinal injuries affect the lower back and are often caused by excessive straining. Thoracic spinal injuries occur in the middle portion of the back and aren’t as common in sports-related injuries.

Noninvasive injury treatments

Usually, pulling back on activity levels is the first step in treating back pain. Some people heal from a back injury with over-the-counter medications and using a heating pad. Others benefit from muscle relaxants or topical pain relievers. Physical therapy is often an effective treatment for both healing from and preventing back injuries. A physical therapist can work with patients to help improve strength and range of motion while ensuring proper form.

Turning to surgery

If back pain continues after trying noninvasive methods for several weeks, a healthcare provider may recommend more complex treatments. Nerve stimulator devices or surgery may be recommended. A healthcare provider can offer specific recommendations for a personalized treatment plan.