Stress
Fracture Back & Football

Spondylolysis
(stress fracture) Injury Introduction
Medically termed as Spondylolysis, the stress
fracture involves an overuse of the lower back. In sports,
it is the most prevalent form of lower back injury. It is
classified as either a stress reaction or a stress fracture
of the lower back.
Spondylolysis occurs in the L5, the bottom-most
of the five lumbar vertebra present in the base of the back.
The L5 sits at the exact point where the movable lumbar spine
connects to the immovable pelvis. Spondylolysis affects this
vertebra since it experiences the most stress during athletic
activities.
Since sporting movements involve using the
body’s weight to generate tremendous amounts of force,
the lumbar spine is often obliged to bear extreme loads. When
the muscle forces are transmitted through the spine, bone
fatigue occurs. This fatigue can lead to micro tears in the
L5 vertebra.
Spondylolysis
Signs & Symptoms
This condition is almost limited to adolescent
football players since there are very rare occurrences beyond
this age group. Spondylolysis is indicated by a feeling of
pain in the lower back. The ache will increase with participation
in physical activity and will correspondingly subside once
the person is at rest.
The back may feel especially sore when the player bends backwards,
particularly if he attempts this while standing on one leg.
If a patient is suspected of Spondylolysis, his general practitioner
may refer him for a scan in order to arrive at an accurate
diagnosis.
Spondylolysis
Treatment
Usually resting for about six weeks would serve
as a sufficient treatment for Spondylolysis. In order to facilitate
faster healing, the patient may opt to use a back brace since
it can provide support as well as prevent movements that may
aggravate the vertebra’s condition. The brace will also
prevent the adolescents from engaging in excessive physical
activity.
It is recommended to do exercises designed to
improve the lower back’s muscular stability. These exercises
may be effectively performed through the use of Swiss balls
(view below). Cardiovascular fitness may be developed through
low-impact exercises such as pool running. This activity can
be aided by a buoyancy belt.
Spondylolysis Prevention
As much as possible, football should be performed
on grassy fields. Unlike concrete or Astroturf, grass can
reduce the force transmitted through the spine since it possesses
a little give. Training sessions should be monitored carefully,
with their frequency, intensity and duration increased at
a steady and gradual pace. Meanwhile, competitive games should
also be restricted to a maximum of 30 games per season. It
is also necessary for players to have sufficient rest periods
after each match and training session.
Good posture must also be observed. Slouching
prevents the back muscles from effectively preventing back
injuries. Also, sitting in front of the computer for extended
periods of time must also be avoided. In such an instance,
the person must take regular breaks. The use of a seating
support is highly recommended.
In order to maintain a good posture, the muscular
stability of the spine must be maintained. ‘Core Stability
Exercises’ using exercise balls will help in achieving
this. The use of the Back supports will aid healing and prevent
further problems.

Click
here to view exercise balls to strengthen spinal muscles
Football Rescue Recommends
Back Supports




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Elasticated
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The Elasticated Back Brace offers compression and support
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This support can be used during a range of sporting activities,
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