The human back is the
large posterior section of the human body, rising
from the top of the buttocks to the back of the
neck and the shoulders. The vertebral column or
the spine defines the height of the back, with
the breadth supported by the ribcage and shoulders.
For all the obvious reasons, the human back has
physiological importance, which can be impaired
by back injury.
Spondylolysis
A stress fracture (type of back injury), nominally spondylolysis in medicine,
is the most common injury of the lower back in sport and bodybuilding. There
are two variations of this back injury, namely the bone stress reaction or a
stress fracture of the lower back. This back injury is especially common in growing
adolescents, as this condition is associated at the time of rapid 'growth spurt'.
There are five lumbar vertebrae at the base of the back,but the most common site
for the back injury
called spondylolysis is the bottom-most lumbar
vertebra, |
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called L5, at
the confluence of the mobile lumbar spine and
the fixed pelvis. Forces generated by sporting
movements that involve large muscle forces are
transmitted via the bones of the spine. Bone
fatigue occurs as a loss of bone strength and
stiffness due to repeated loading, which always
happens in strenuous activities. Though repeated
loading is of less force than it would take to
produce a traumatic fracture, it eventually causes
bone damage over time.
If the damage is excessive and the remodeling
cannot keep pace with the damage, then spondylolysis
sets in.
Complete rest is the antidote of choice for this
condition. A period of 6 weeks is sufficient in
allowing the bone to heal. Afterwards, a progressive
exercise program may be incepted, under the supervision
of a chartered physiotherapist. This usually starts
with back injury exercises to augment to the muscular
stability in the lower back.
Research has shown that specific back injury
exercises may be effective in relieving damage.
Slipped Discs
The lumbar spine is most vulnerable to slipped
discs. If there is repeated overuse, the gel-like
nucleus material can prolapse out of the disc.
Pain-relieving medication is usually complementary
for a prolapsed disc.
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