back pain

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The majority of cases of back pain in the athlete are due to muscle strain which typically come on during or after sport. Pain is felt in the back, often to one side, and there is stiffness and some loss of mobility. If pain come on acutely and is felt in the buttock and or the leg, or if there is any numbness, pins and needles or weakness in the leg then a slipped disc (disc prolapse) should be suspected.This means that the disc which acts as a cushion between two vertebrae has ‘burst’ and is pressing on a nerve to the leg. This pain is called sciatica.

Pain due to a muscle strain will usually settle within a few days, but sciatica and pain from a slipped disc (which can occur without sciatica) usually lasts much longer. Direct blows onto the spin can cause vertebral fractures, as can falls from a height (for example, in horse riding) or situations where a player is forcibly and sharply bent over forwards.

In the case of a simple muscle strain, rest, ice, local heat and then mobility and strengthening exercises are usually adequate, abdominal muscles are important in the support of the spine and care should be taken to strengthen them Bilateral straight-leg raises (raising both legs straight off the ground while lying on ones back) are extremely bad exercises for anyone with a history of back trouble an should be avoided.

If after trying the above your back pain isn't improving, you are still in pain, it is restricting your movement or generally affecting your quality of life, please feel free to get in touch for a no obligation consultation at our Hull physio practice.

Patients GP should always be consulted to rule out any underlying medical condition.