Sports & Lower Back Pain: Is It Time To See An Orthopedic Surgeon?

What Is The Lumbar Spine?

The bottom part of the spine is called the lumbar spine and this region is comprised of 5 and sometimes 6 vertebrae. The vertebrae are bones that protect the spinal cord. The lumbar spine is directly connected to the pelvis, an area that carries a lot of weight which is why lower back pain is so common.

Why are athletes more susceptible to lower back pain?

Athletes are more susceptible to lower back pain due to constant stress on the spine. The constant movement and pressure on the lumbar spine can create significant back injuries. The spine absorbs a lot of stress and tension from physical activity and bodily impact. In other cases, lower back pain results from a series of microtraumas that have gone untreated.

Common back injuries

Many athletes experience musculoligamentous disorders which is a lower back soft tissue injury. Spondylolysis in athletes is chronic lower back pain caused by exaggerated movement of the spine in one direction. This type of injury commonly affects weightlifters, football players, and gymnasts. A herniated disc is another common injury among athletes. The discs act as cushions for the vertebrae. If any discs get ruptured, the nucleus leaks out and causes pain and discomfort.

Lower back pain symptoms

People with lower back pain will experience certain symptoms. These symptoms include tingling, pain, burning, numbness, stiffness, fatigue, and pulling sensations. The symptoms may feel more pronounced when patients are engaged in physical activity like sports or lifting heavy objects. The pain can also occur at random, depending on the type of injury.

Consulting an orthopedic surgeon

People experiencing chronic pain that does not respond to other treatments are good candidates for an orthopedic surgeon. People with joint deformities, infections, difficulty walking or lifting items, and swelling around the lumbar spine region should also seek medical attention from an orthopedic surgeon.

Surgery and physical therapy

Depending on the situation, a spinal specialist may recommend physical therapy prior to surgery. Physical therapy can be very helpful when dealing with lower back pain. Orthopedics and physical therapy can develop a treatment plan to relieve or eliminate back pain.