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Lower Back Injury
Back injuries usually pertain to muscles in the back or adjoining areas.
Muscle Strain
Low back pain/ muscle strain or ruptures can occur in the back just like they can anywhere else in the body. A muscle strain (or tear) in the back is usually caused by a sudden movement or trying to lift something that is too heavy. The low back pain however is often a long time coming on as the muscles in the back gradually tighten up due to bad posture and overuse.
The low back pain however is often a long time coming on as the muscles in the back gradually tighten up due to bad posture and overuse.
Lumbago (lower back pain)
What is Lumbago?
Lumbago is the term used to describe general lower back pain. The exact cause of the lumbago/back pain is often unknown. The back pain can come on after lifting things, or overuse (see weak back) or it may come on without previous exercise or training.
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower back which does not radiate down the legs.
- Stiffness in the back especially in the morning.
- A poor posture or 'S' shape in the spine (scoliosis).
What can you do about it?
- Rest (in bed if it is really severe). The psoas position is often the most comfortable position.
- Apply heat or have hot baths.
Measures to heal and prevent
Stretching Exercises
For every sport, a thorough warm-up should be completed before starting to play. The warm-up will be specific to the muscles used in that sport, but it should also prepare the back for the stresses to come.
- Increase circulation gradually by doing some easy movement (such as walking) to increase blood circulation to the muscles and ligaments of the back
- Stretch the lower and upper back and related muscles, including hamstrings and quadriceps
- Start slowly with the sport movements (e.g. swing the golf club, serve the ball)