Fall is the season for football whether it is high school, college or neighborhood games. Twenty percent of injuries occur in the neck and back while playing this sport. Serious injuries can result from the abrupt contact of bodies unless measures are taken to reduce that risk.
The difference between back sprains and strains is that the former is a result of overstretched muscles. Back strains happen when muscles and tendons attached to the spine are overly stretched and rip. Symptoms of this injury are pain, decreased mobility, swelling, muscle spasms, cramps, stiffness and loss of strength in the muscles.
Neck sprains are also stretched out muscles wheres neck strains are caused by impacts forcing the head forward or backward. This leads to stretched tendons and muscles that rip. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, decreased mobility, tightness, swelling, headaches and possibly shooting pain down the neck. The symptoms of neck and back strains may be appear right away. In some cases, it may take a few hours or even days later for symptoms to arise.
Precautions may be taken before practices and games to reduce the risk of these injuries. Thorough warming up and stretching, dressing in protective gear such as a helmet and back brace, and spending the proper amount of time to cool down and relax the muscles after playing are recommended methods. Neck strengthening exercises and an effective muscle conditioning program are also preferred ways to decrease the occurrence of these injuries.
If a neck or back strain does result, it is important to give attention to the injury so it does not get worse. Resting the body and taking a break from the sport allows the affected area to heal. Therapy, massage and medicine to ease swelling and pain are also effective. Making an appointment with a sports doctor may be needed if the pain persists or becomes worse.
Football season in the fall can be enjoyed by everyone. The harsh contact nature of this sport makes getting these injuries very possible. However, the severity of injuries can be greatly reduced by players who properly condition and strengthen their bodies before and during the season and dress in protective gear.