Throwing Athlete With Low Back Pain? Could Be Facet Syndrome!

At Function First Sports Chiropractic, we work with Tampa football players often. Among this population, it's common to see low back pain. While the source can be from a multitude of causes, one diagnoses stands out. Due to players often finding their spine in a state of extension, low back pain in throwing athletes is frequently credited to Facet Syndrome.

What is a Facet?

The spine is composed of multiple vertebrae that move together as a unit. While each vertebra is an independent bone, facets are found along the back of the spine, connecting the segment above and below by a facet joint. These joints allow the bones to move together so that the spine can be mobile while also maintaining its integrity! Facet joints are on each side of each vertebra, allowing for turning and bending. The design of the joints prevent excessive spinal motion so that movements don't go too far or cause injury.

What Causes Facet Syndrome?

While facet joints prevent the spine from moving outside of its range of motion, athletes can push the joint to its limit. Recently, we had a quarterback come into the office who had low back pain while throwing the football. As we watched him go through his throwing motion, it was clear that his low back was hyperextending, or bending backward too much, with each throw. When an athlete performs this repetitive hyperextension, the facet joints are stressed to their limit. The stress can cause a membrane in the joint capsule to crease, causing a meniscoid fold. The folded material irritates the joint, causing inflammation. This can lead to any combination of pain, stiffness, numbness, burning, aching, spasms, tingling, or weakness.

How to Relieve Facet Syndrome

Luckily, the best treatment for facet syndrome is fast and productive: the chiropractic adjustment! The targeted force that the chiropractor puts through the joint allows for the capsule to expand and for the meniscoid fold to separate. The release of this fold allows for a decrease in inflammation and symptomology. While we have corrected the cause of pain, we still want to address the function of the athlete. The QB's throwing motion is still the same, stressing the joint with each throw. Relief of symptoms doesn't mean that the problem is resolved!

Preventing Future Low Back Pain

If the athlete continues to hyperextend their back with each play, the problem is sure to return. Our goal is now to prevent poor repetitive motion while also improving the player's performance. Core stabilization will be crucial to this athlete. Proper stabilization provides the athlete with a sturdy and more powerful low back, keeping the spine within its limits of range of motion. A stable core will prevent future injury and allows the QB to generate more power on his throws. We will address the weak core by putting the athlete through Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) drills. These drills allow for the muscles in the core to be utilized in the correct neuromuscular pattern. Our office uses a Core360 belt that gives a live feedback chart of how you are bracing your core. This allows for the highest quality rehab of your low back.

Thinking about your core during the game can be distracting and unproductive. This is why DNS drills are performed outside of the sport and allow the player to stabilize their core subconsciously. Now all they have to think about during the game is football. No more worries about pain or re-injury.

Eliminate Pain. Prevent Injury. Improve Performance.

If you or a friend can relate to this post, schedule now at F1SportsChiro.com or call (813) 421-4250 today. We would be happy to get you on the schedule!