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Pain & Spinal Conditions and Diseases
To further help our patients, we present to you the most current and reliable information about pain and spinal conditions and diseases. We also offer Back pain advice and information about therapies that can relieve the pain, exercises that can stabilize the back, and doctors who will treat your specific condition.  We would also like to keep you up to date on the latest information available for the treatment of these conditions and diseases.

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Sports Injuries

 Back pain accounts for approximately 7% of injuries in sports. Certain factors predispose the athlete to back injuries and acute back pain. In children and adolescents, a growth spurt may lead to a muscle tendon imbalance with tight hamstring muscles, tight low back muscles, and weak abdominal muscles.

Secondly, abrupt increase in training intensity or frequency may result in back strain and pain. Leg length discrepancy can lead to low back strains. Improper weight training or sporting activities technically can increase the load on one's back and may cause pain.

I suggest that the "weekend warrior" increase his abdominal and low back strength while decreasing his waist size. This will help prevent back pain and injury

 

Cervical Sports Injuries: The Stinger

In the world of contact sports such as football, hockey, or basketball, a common injury is the stinger. A stinger, sometimes called a burner, is an injury that occurs when the head or neck (cervical spine) is hit to one side causing the shoulder to be pulled in the opposite direction. While stingers occur most often at the high school level, they can occur at all levels of play.

How does a stinger happen?

A stinger is caused by a stretching of the brachial plexus nerves. These are peripheral nerves that exit the spinal cord and run across the shoulders, under the collarbone, and into the arms. The brachial plexus nerves are responsible for giving the arms their strength and sensation. As a result of a forcible sideways blow to the head or a blow to the shoulder itself, these nerves may become compressed, stretched, and irritated.

What are the symptoms of a stinger?

A side collision of this type causes immediate and intense pain, as well as a tingling or burning sensation in the neck that runs down the arm to the fingers. Weakness in the affected arm or hand is also common. The weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations may last as briefly as a few minutes or as long as a few weeks.

How is a stinger treated?

Most stinger injuries resolve on their own after a period of rest. Athletes are usually removed from the sport until symptoms are gone. Ice packs on the neck or shoulders, anti-inflammatory medications, massage, and neck strengthening exercises are often part of the treatment plan. Players can usually return to their sport once the pain is gone and they have regained full range of motion, strength, and normal sensation in the neck and arms. Persistent or recurrent symptoms may indicate a more serious injury. Neck x-rays, a CT scan, or MRI may be necessary to rule out other serious conditions with similar symptoms.

How can a stinger be prevented?

Strengthening neck muscles are an important way for athletes to prevent stingers. Using good technique in contact sports and avoiding spearing (head down tackling) is also important. Safety equipment such as neck rolls that limit backward movement of the neck may also help.
Most importantly, players who experience symptoms of a stinger should immediately report them to their coaches or team physician despite the risk of being removed from the game. Ignoring or playing through a stinger can lead to more serious injuries.



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