Category: Sports Medicine
Summer has arrived on the East Coast, and after a long, cold winter, there is nothing New Yorkers are looking forward to more than soaking up the sun. However, as the temperatures rise, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to stay safe in the summer heat. Whether you’re training for a marathon, playing a game of basketball, or even just walking through the park, exercising in the summer months puts added stress on our bodies and increases the likelihood of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so I’ve put together a few tips to help you stay cool and safe …
Going for a run is a great way to get exercise, especially during the warmer months when the weather allows more frequent outings. I see many patients who are eager to get back to running after fully recovering from surgery. Because running is a repetitive action that can cause stress, I like to remind them that proper running technique is key to avoid unnecessary pain and injuries. Whether you are just a beginner or a full-fledged marathoner, these basic tips will help improve your form and avoid injuries. Getting the right shoes is the first step in running with great …
There is a lot of talk about how dependence on technology and a more sedentary lifestyle affects the health of children and adolescents. Much of the conversation revolves around obesity and its effects on cardiovascular health. However, a new study from the British Chiropractic Association is looking at how this affects back and spine health in still-growing teens. The study surveyed 460 parents with kids aged 11- 16 and found that 40 percent had experienced back or neck pain. Nearly a quarter of parents reported that their children spent between 2 to 4 hours each day watching television or using …
Injuries are common in all sports, and this is especially true in professional baseball, where players engage in repetitive movements on the field for 162 games each season. Back injuries can be detrimental for baseball players, often affecting an athlete’s swing or pitch. As this season kicks off, serious injuries and long-term recoveries are keeping a number of players off the field. Baltimore Orioles left fielder Nolan Reimold is still recovering after undergoing a cervical fusion surgery in July. He is now in physical therapy and remains on the disabled list until he is fully recovered. Texas Rangers pitcher Matt …
In August 2013, we saw Tiger Woods collapse on the course at the Barclay’s tournament from debilitating back pain. The star athlete suffered through competition to completion, but withdrew from his next tournament to rest. At the time, he blamed his heavy travel schedule and soft hotel beds for his pain and frequent back spasms. During the off season, Woods took time to rest and prepare his body for the 2014 golf season. Unfortunately, earlier this month, Woods was forced to withdraw from competition at the Honda Classic when his lower back pain once again became too much to handle. …
Across the board, I encourage my patients and their families to exercise regularly and participate in sports however they can. Competitive sports for children and young adults can serve as both a great learning experience, and an opportunity to make new friends. Sports also help kids to create building blocks for success later in life, and are a fun way to exercise among peers. However, a recent study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine showed that “excessive exposure to competitive sports activities during youth was associated with low back pain and symptoms in the lower extremities.” While strains and …
With over 31 million Americans suffering from lower back pain, this persistent ailment is one of the most common health problems plaguing adults in the United States. While some severe cases are the result of a deeper issue, temporary back pain is quite normal and can be reduced or eliminated through proper exercise and postural techniques. One way I recommend to reduce minor low back pain is through strengthening your core. The core encompasses all of the muscles from your hamstrings up to your neck, from your abdominals to your back muscles. Since all of these muscles work together to …
The elite athletes representing their countries at the Sochi Olympics are in peak physical shape and are at the top of their sport. However, accidents and injuries still occur, especially in potentially dangerous conditions and courses. On February 15, we saw an unfortunate example of this when Russian skicross racer Maria Komissarova fractured her 12th dorsal vertebra and dislocated her spine during a practice session. Fractures or breaks of vertebrae in the lower back can be very dangerous and possibly lead to paralysis, if improperly handled. Spinal fractures often require a swift course of action from highly trained doctors. Komissarova …
After a hard hit in the middle of a game, it can be a long nerve-wracking moment when a player doesn’t immediately rise to their feet. In football, specifically, there is always a fear of a spine or neck injury after a bad tackle. Neck problems are quite common in football, whether a “stinger” or something more serious. But when the injury is severe and surgery becomes a necessary option, there is life after surgery – even in professional sports. In mid-2013, a study was published of seven professional football players and eight professional wrestlers who underwent anterior cervical discectomy …
Former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down after a spinal cord injury during a 2010 football game. I want to share with you his inspiring story of recovery. Paralysis is a condition that affects 5.6 million people, many of whom are able to achieve fulfilling and active lives. Eric has recently finished his college degree in labor studies, a huge milestone in his recovery. At the time of his injury, LeGrand was 60 credits short of graduation. He began attending one class at a time via Skype as soon as he was able, leading to …
