Managing Lumbar Spondylosis in Athletes: The Benefits of Physical Therapy
Are you an athlete experiencing lower back pain? Lumbar spondylosis is a common condition among athletes that can lead to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and even nerve damage. However, with the help of a sports physical therapist near you, you can manage your symptoms and get back to your sport.
What is Lumbar Spondylosis?
Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the lower back. It occurs when the spinal discs, which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, begin to break down over time. This can lead to bone spurs, disc herniation, and spinal stenosis, which can compress nerves and cause pain and other symptoms.
What is the Prevalence of Lumbar Spondylosis in Athletes?
Lumbar spondylosis is particularly common among athletes who engage in repetitive or high-impact activities, such as gymnastics, weightlifting, or football. According to a study published in the journal Spine, the prevalence of lumbar spondylosis among weightlifters was 67%, while the prevalence among football players was 43%. These activities can place significant stress on the lower back, leading to degeneration and inflammation of the spinal discs.
How a Sports Physical Therapist Near You Can Help Lumbar Spondylosis?
If you're an athlete struggling with lumbar spondylosis, it's important to seek the help of a sports physical therapist near you. A physical therapist can design a personalized treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and improve your mobility. Here are some ways that physical therapy can help:
Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles that support your spine can help reduce stress on your spinal discs and improve your range of motion.
Range of Motion: Eccentric and range of motion exercises can help improve your flexibility and reduce stiffness in your lower back.
Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques such as mobilizations and neuromuscular facilitation can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation in your lower back.
Posture education: Your physical therapist can teach you proper posture techniques to help prevent further damage to your spinal discs.
Why Physical Therapy is the best treatment for Athletes with Lumbar Spondylosis
If you're an athlete with lumbar spondylosis, don't let it keep you from doing what you love. With the help of a sports physical therapist near you, you can manage your symptoms and get back to your sport. According to the same study mentioned earlier, physical therapy has been found to be an effective treatment for lumbar spondylosis in athletes, with an overall success rate of 85%. Contact us to schedule an appointment and start your journey to a pain-free lower back.