Regardless of your preferred sport, an injury to any part of your body can be devastating. A back-related injury can not only cause you significant pain but could also potentially end your sports career goals. At times, athletes may feel as though they can play through the pain by merely pushing themselves harder. Although some sports-related back injuries can heal just by taking some time off, it’s always vital that you see a back doctor in Houston if you think that you are suffering from any of these potentially serious conditions.
Sciatica
Sciatica is particularly painful and uncomfortable. People who are highly susceptible to suffering from sciatica include golf and tennis players because they use the majority of the muscles in their back to execute a perfect swing.
The symptoms associated with sciatica include pain and numbness not only in your back but down your legs and sometimes into your feet. While it’s true that rest and stretching exercises can help to ease the pain of sciatica, there is always a possibility that you cause yourself more damage if you don’t see a doctor.
Lumbar Sprain
Lumbar sprains usually occur if an athlete is trying to implement a lifting technique improperly. For example, it’s not uncommon for a person who is trying to perform a deadlift exercise in the gym to suffer from a lumbar sprain if their form is not correct. In the sports world, gymnasts and cheerleaders tend to suffer from this type of injury due to their constant turns and extensions. In many cases, a person can recover from a lumbar sprain using anti-inflammatory medication; however, you should always visit a doctor to discuss a treatment plan.
Warning Signs of Serious Injuries
It’s important to remember that you should never take sports-related back injuries lightly. Although you may not feel severe pain at the moment you sustain your injury, you should reach out to a doctor right away if you continuously feel worse. For instance, if the pain in your back affects your balance or the way that you walk, or you notice a radiating pain in your legs, it’s imperative that you contact a doctor as soon as possible. Additionally, pain in your back should never last for more than two months. If you find that you are still struggling with persistent pain, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our office to discuss the source of your discomfort.
We Can Help You Recover from Sports-Related Back Injuries
As a leading orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kushwaha and his staff go to great lengths to formulate a treatment plan that will help each patient to recover from sports-related back injuries. Dr. Kushwaha takes the time to learn more about what caused the injury and what you are feeling to ensure that you receive the most benefits in your care and more importantly, provide you with a better quality of life without intense back pain. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today.