The muscles
of the trunk are responsible for stabilization
and trunk rotation. Stabilization is key to reducing
potential trunk and back injury.
Also
called the torso, the trunk is composed of
the rectus abdominis, external obliques,
internal obliques, transverse abdominus,
quadratus lumborum, and the spinal erectors.
The torso musculature works in four basic
ways.
The torso flexes and extends the spine
and laterally flexes the spine. The torso
transfers force, produces power, links the
lower body to the upper, and stabilizes.
In all, the torso is the center of all body
movement. |
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When the body’s center is made stronger,
all movement is more efficient. Training the trunk
is concentrated in the sagittal plane only. Often
the most neglected area in many workout programs
is rotational training.
The trunk can be trained besides the typical
crunch routine. Basic exercises like Olympic lifts
and their variations, squats, and deadlifts are
commendable in this premise. Lifts like these
involve the trunk muscles more than sit-ups ever
could.
Else, the human body is anyhow susceptible to
trunk injuries. For one, the lumbar spine bears
the brunt of significant forces that may contribute
to trunk and back injury.
Lower Back Stress Fracture
Medically known as spondylolysis, a stress fracture
is the most common trunk and back injury. This
trunk and back injury may be recognized as either
a bone stress reaction or a stress fracture of
the lower back.
Spondylolysis is noted the most in adolescents
and is quite rare beyond this age group. This
condition is characterized by an ache in the lower
back that is aggravated by sporting activities.
Refraining from strenuous activities for about
6 weeks is paramount followed by a program of
rehabilitation involving trunk & back injury
exercises.
Rib fractures
Along with rib cartilage injuries, rib fractures
are common in football players. In comparison,
a rib cartilage sprain is a less graver form of
fracture. Both are nevertheless extremely painful
trunk and back injuries.
Lumbar disc injuries
Lumbar disc injuries can transpire at any portion
of the spinal column, the most problematic being
the areas where a slipped disc is prone to pinching
a nerve exiting the spine. Lumbar disc injuries
can cause back pain, which can progress down one
or both legs if a nerve is pinched. In these cases,
surgical procedures may be prescribed.
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Collapsed lungs are rare trunk and back injuries,
but such medical condition can occur from direct
blows to the chest, especially in cases of rib
fracture. Modern techniques of treatment often
allow strenuous activity within 2-3 weeks.
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