Sports Spinal Injuries

Overview

Sports spinal injuries can range from minor strains and sprains to more severe damage like fractures or spinal cord injuries, occurring during athletic activities. These injuries are often the result of high impact trauma, overuse, or improper techniques in a variety of sports.

Indication That You Need a Spinal Surgery

1. If you feel numbness or extreme pain that stems from the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg. You may be in need of spine surgery
2. Severe back pain that does not let you indulge in day to day activities is another sign that you might need a spinal surgery.

Pre Procedure

1. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your surgery.
2. Avoid all tobacco products after cervical or lumbar fusion for 3 months as it can lead to increase in need for a reoperation, results in poor wound healing.
3. Routine daily medications may be taken the morning of surgery with a sip of water only for hypertension and diabetes.
4. Autoimmune medications: consult your surgeon or prescribing physician.
5. Blood thinners : with all blood thinning medications you must consult your surgeon or primary care physician to find out when to stop your medicine prior to your surgery date.

Procedure

Surgical intervention for sports spinal injuries is usually considered when non-surgical treatments fail to relief symptoms, or when the injury is severe, such as spinal fractures, herniated discs or nerve compression. The type of surgery depends on the injury, location and severity.

Post Procedure

1. You may resume your normal, pre-operative diet as tolerated.
2. As your pain lessens, you should decrease the amount of pain medications you are taking. We substitute narcotics with over- the- counter Tylenol as your pain decreases.
3. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking prescription pain medicine.
4. Food high in protein and vitamin c can also aid the healing process.
5. Please change your dressing with sterile gauze daily until your wound is completely dry.
6. Walk twice a day for 30 minutes using a walker or cane as needed.