spine injury care for athletes

New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine (NYSSPM) specializes in diagnosing and treating spine injuries commonly experienced by athletes. Our Queens-based clinic offers personalized, non-surgical solutions to help you recover swiftly and safely, enabling a return to your active lifestyle.

Athletes are susceptible to various spine injuries due to the physical demands of their sports. Understanding these injuries is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

• Spondylolysis: This condition involves a stress fracture in the pars interarticularis, a small segment of bone that joins the facet joints in the spine. Repetitive hyperextension and rotational movements, common in sports like gymnastics, football, and weightlifting, can lead to this stress fracture. Athletes may experience lower back pain that intensifies with activity. 

• Spondylolisthesis: If spondylolysis progresses, it can cause one vertebra to slip forward over the one below it, a condition known as spondylolisthesis. This slippage can compress spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. 

• Lumbar Disc Herniation: A lumbar disc herniation occurs when the inner gel-like core of a spinal disc protrudes through its outer layer, often due to sudden movements, heavy lifting, or repetitive stress. Athletes involved in contact sports or activities requiring heavy lifting are particularly at risk. Symptoms may include lower back pain and sciatica, characterized by pain radiating down the leg. 

• Musculoligamentous Strain: Commonly known as a back strain, this injury involves overstretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments in the lower back. It often results from overuse, improper technique, or inadequate warm-up. Athletes may experience pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. 

• Cervical Spine Injuries: Neck injuries, including strains and fractures, can occur in contact sports like football and wrestling. These injuries may lead to neck pain, stiffness, and neurological symptoms if nerves are affected. 

• Thoracic Spine Injuries: Injuries to the mid-back are less common but can occur in sports involving twisting motions, such as golf or tennis. Symptoms include mid-back pain and discomfort during movement. 

At New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine, our multidisciplinary team offers a range of non-surgical treatments tailored to your specific injury and recovery goals.

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry): Focused on restoring function and mobility through personalized rehabilitation programs. Our physiatrists develop comprehensive plans to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall performance.
• Interventional Pain Management: Utilizing advanced techniques such as epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and nerve blocks to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. These minimally invasive procedures target the source of pain for effective relief.
• Physical Therapy: Our licensed physical therapists design individualized exercise programs to improve posture, strengthen core muscles, and prevent future injuries. Therapies may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
• Spine Care: For spine-specific injuries, we offer specialized care focusing on non-surgical interventions to promote healing and restore function. Our approach emphasizes patient education and active participation in the recovery process.

• Expertise in Sports Medicine: Our team has extensive experience treating athletes across various disciplines, understanding the unique demands of sports-related injuries.
• Comprehensive, Personalized Care: We provide individualized treatment plans that address your specific needs and goals, ensuring optimal recovery.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: Our Queens clinic is equipped with advanced technology to deliver the highest standard of care.

Don’t let a spine injury sideline you. 

Request an appointment today with our partner practice, New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine, to learn about tailored treatment options designed to support your recovery and restore your quality of life.