While not all disk herniations are avoidable, both professional and amateur players can lessen the likelihood of sustaining a spinal injury such as this with a few proactive measures. These include receiving a comprehensive wellness evaluation prior to the season’s start; performing appropriate warmup exercises prior to play (and cool-down stretches following each game or practice); practicing strength training and stretching as part of every workout; and being sure to stay well hydrated at all times. It also helps to stay active in between football seasons to keep your muscles strong and flexible – and of course, wearing the right protective padding makes a difference. Just as important is the need to learn proper on-field techniques, like keeping your head up when tackling and never leading with your helmet. Certified athletic trainers are a great source of information on injury prevention and rehabilitation, so seek them out when needed – and when you do experience an injury, don’t wait to seek medical attention. If debilitating back pain is keeping you off the field, it’s worth your while to consult with a spine specialist like Dr. Patel, who can assess your current condition and create an individualized treatment plan for you that emphasizes the most conservative options first. Call to make an appointment at
Call407-303-5452, or click on the Book Online button at the top right of this page. References Common Back Injuries from Playing Football (2/17/2013). Retrieved from BasicSpine.com: http://www.basicspine.com/blog/common-back-injuries-from-playing-football/ Common Athletic Injuries: Bulging/Herniated Disks (n.d.). Retrieved from Richard Stockton College Athletic Training: http://loki.stockton.edu/~ospreys/ATCommonDisc.htm Preventing Football Injuries (n.d.). Retrieved from StopSportsInjuries.org: http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/football-injury-prevention.aspx The 8 Most Common Football Injuries (6/17/2013). Retrieved from GameReady.com: http://blog.gameready.com/blog/bid/294589/The-8-Most-Common-Football-Injuries