Basketball is an American pastime that has grown in popularity over the past five decades. Although basketball is not as dangerous as football or hockey, some serious injuries can occur while playing the game. In some instances, a player may be shoved to the ground or hit in the back during a game, which can cause a back injury. From a backyard hooper to a professional NBA all-star, a spinal injury can affect the game of all basketball players. A spinal injury for a basketball player can also impact other areas of the body such as the feet, knees, shoulders, and even the chest.
If you or someone you know has suffered a spinal injury from playing basketball, a chiropractor may be able to help. Call your local chiropractor to schedule an appointment today.
One of the most common back injuries from playing basketball is a back strain. A back strain affects the soft tissues in the lumbar area of the spine. This can occur from constantly twisting or pivoting while playing basketball. Jumping and running back and forth on the court can also cause back strain because of the pressure caused by these actions. Back strain can also be observed as low back pain. Fortunately, back strain will eventually go away with a decent amount of rest.
Another common injury for basketball players is a bulging or herniated disc. As the spine’s natural shock absorbers, the intervertebral discs are affected the most when a player jumps or falls. The body is also impacted more when a person is playing on a concrete or asphalt court compared to a hardwood court. Even minor injuries to the spine can eventually build up and wear away at the vertebral discs, causing them to herniate because of constant stress. A herniated disc may also develop into sciatic pain, which can become pain and numbness down a leg and into the feet.
- Herniated Disc. An acute injury (such as falling on the court) can cause a spinal disc to herniate and cause pain and loss of feeling in parts of the body.
- Bone Spurs on the spine can develop as the result of constant use over time.
- Sciatic nerve pain can cause intense pain in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet.
- Muscle strains in the low back or neck.
If you or someone you know has suffered a spinal injury from playing basketball, a chiropractor may be able to help. Call your local chiropractor to schedule an appointment today.
