Today’s post is part 1 of a 2 part post bringing attention to a very serious health issue plaguing young athletes across the country. This issue is lower lumbar stress fractures, technically known as spondylolysis. This condition affects between 25 percent and 35 percent of athletes participating in sports such as, baseball and softball as well as, higher-risk sports, including football, hockey, wrestling and gymnastics.
Spondylolysis occurs when a crack forms in the bony ring on the back of the spinal column also known as a pars stress fracture. According to Sally S. Harris, M.D., MPH: “A pars stress fracture usually causes low back pain that is predominantly on one side of the back, as opposed to in the center of the back. It is caused by overuse and usually starts as mild pain that gradually worsens with running, jumping and kicking activities. It is usually felt most while arching backward, rotating at the waist or straightening up from bending forward. Pain typically gets worse with sports and better with rest.”
Now that you understand what this condition is, let’s delve deeper into other causes of this debilitating condition, shall we? Over the course of my 15 plus years training middle school and high school athletes, I have noticed an alarming trend of poor motor control in the shoulder, core and hip muscles. One major cause of this poor motor control is the increased amount of time people spend sitting everyday! Fifteen years ago things were very different. Most young children played outside regularly spending many hours a week climbing, jumping, running, pushing, riding bikes etc. Then came the rise of technology. Devices such as, computers, the internet, cable T.V., cell phones, video games, face book and so on began to monopolize much of our youth’s (and adults) time. This decrease of activity leads to dysfunction in motor skills, physical development and an increase in obesity!
Below is a list of other possible causes of spinal stress fractures:
- Poor nutrition
- Early sport specialization and year round participation at a young age
- Overuse. Because of the above mentioned reasons young athletes are developing overuse injuries once only seen in adults
- Improper weight training either done on their own or from being improperly coached.
- Improper core training.
- Being fat!
So what now? In part two of this post i will discuss how you can protect yourself and or your young athlete from this condition so they will have a long, prosperous and healthy athletic career!
KSTRENGTH Sports Training 