Volleyball players back injuries

Statistics show that back injuries in volleyball athletes occur in 9-17% of the total. Most often, athletes playing volleyball suffer from chronic lumbar pain due to a fatigue fracture of the vertebral arch in the area between the joints or in the area of ​​the leg of the vertebral arch. This condition is called spondylolysis. It can occur in those sportsmen who perform intense extension in the lower back, as well as twisting. Another option – the athlete is subjected to excessive axial load. During the game, spondylolysis can occur during feeding and attack.

Spondylolysis followed by spondylolisthesis Chronic spondylolysis can occur with excessive physical exertion if there is a malnutrition of bone tissue and vertebral dysplasia.

In general terms, spondylolysis is a consequence of the concentration of loads on the inter-articular arches of the vertebrae, when the reserve of elasticity of bone tissue “can not cope.” First, the so-called Loser zone with bone changes occurs in this place. The second stage is a fatigue fracture in the “critical zone”. This process is reversible. It is enough to eliminate excessive force impacts so that fusion occurs.

Studies have shown the frequency of spondylolysis – 3-7% of the total number of back injuries. Women and men alike suffer it. Sometimes there is a complication of spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis, and the latter is more often found in women.

With a fatigue fracture, the pain is usually small at first, then intensifies and limits physical activity. If physical activity is stopped at the beginning of the disease, the pain will decrease, subsequently it will be felt constantly, especially in the evenings, the back pain is especially worrying for patients.

In case of a back injury, a volleyball player is immediately shown computed tomography and NMR – magnetic resonance resonance, a simple x-ray may not reveal the whole picture. Treatment is the restriction of active physical movements, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and a rehabilitation program that is designed to develop spinal flexibility and strength of the vertebral muscles.

And a few lines from the author of the site: injury is easier to prevent than to treat. Thus, the volleyball player needs to warm up well and stretch before the game (training). After the game, you should definitely reach out. In addition, I strongly advise you to develop your body: do yoga, go to the gym, visit the bathhouse at least once a week (and do not forget to steam), swim in the pool, go for a massage. All successful workouts and games without injuries.