Sports Medicine: Hip & Back Pain

Hip and back injuries are among the most common problems facing athletes and others who engage in sports and physical activity. These injuries can lead to mild to severe pain and other symptoms that may require a long time to heal completely. In some cases, hip and back pain are recurring, but manageable.

Types

• Sports injuries can cause pain in the hips and the upper and lower back. Hip bursitis causes pain on the outside of the hip and can radiate down the thigh. The hip joint can pop or snap, which may cause pain, and tears in the hip joint can result in pain and difficulty with range of motion.

  Lower back pain occurs frequently in athletes. Muscle strains and slipped discs are common low back injuries that can cause pain ranging from mild to severe. Discs in the upper back and cervical spine can also dislocate; and the shoulder muscles can pull or tighten, causing pain on either side of the upper back.

Causes

• Injuries and conditions that cause hip or back pain in athletes are often a result of overuse and repetitive movement. For example, golfers often develop tearing or popping in the hip joint due to the repetitive movements of their swings. Sports that require a lot of running or jumping can wear on the back, shoulders and hips, causing muscle strains and inflammation. Some cases of hip and back pain are due to sudden injuries, such as a fall or a one-time overextension of the hip or shoulder.

Home Treatment

• Many sports injuries heal on their own with careful at-home treatment. In many cases, athletes need to take a break from the sport or repetitive motion that led to the injury or pain. The RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method often helps. Resting the painful area, applying ice for 15 minutes every two hours, placing compression on the area in the form of a wrap or brace and elevating the injured area can help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can also help. Athletes who experience severe hip or back pain, or pain that worsens or lasts more than a few days while they are resting the area, should see a doctor to diagnose the cause of the pain.

Medical Treatment

• In some cases, medical treatment is necessary to relieve hip and back pain and treat the underlying cause. Prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can help ease symptoms while an injury heals. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and promote healing. Massage therapy helps loosen tight muscles and can alleviate pain. Some sports injuries require surgery to repair bones, tendons or muscles.

Prevention

• Preventing injuries and overuse that can lead to hip and back pain is sometimes impossible for athletes, though there are things they can do to reduce the risk of injury. As with all physical activity, athletes should make sure to warm up and stretch appropriately before engaging in more vigorous activity to reduce the risk of muscle tears and tendon and ligament injuries. Taking a break from physical activity can help prevent injuries from repetitive movements and overuse. In some cases, athletes may need to wear special braces, shoe inserts or other assistive devices to prevent painful injuries.