I have a lingering back injury, at what point is it ok to get back to wrestling??

randyispwn · 09-12-2007, 05:39 PM

I hurt my back about 2 months ago, I went to the chiropractor a few times, that never really helped, so I just layed off it for a while. It has basically been bothering me ever since, pretty much been getting better, but I just can't get past this point where it is at maybe 85%. Basically some days I wake up and my back is doing fine, and I cant even notice it, some days it is slightly worse tho, especially days after doing physical activity and things of that nature. Well wrestling season is starting up in a few weeks and I tried running some stairs to get in shape, and that ended up irritating my back. So basically I was thinking that if running stairs hurt my back, then I probably wouldn't be able to handle wrestling without eventually re-injuring it, or just making it perpetually worse.

Basically my plan was to go to a different dr, see what is actually wrong with my back, because 2 and a half months without my back getting back to 100% is probably a bit long for just a pulled muscle. But what do you guys think I should do? Has anyone had any similar lingering back injuries that just never seem to go away?

Col. Angus · 09-12-2007, 05:44 PM

Go see a doctor, numbnuts

dar185 · 09-12-2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Col. Angus

Go see a doctor, numbnuts

What he said.

hocky · 10:23 PM

i have L5,L6,problems and see an accupuncturists regularly,and avoid the chiro at all cost,plus diligently train the core muscles...

cappone · 09-12-2007, 10:27 PM

"the mind body perscription" by dr. Sarno changed my life. buy the book read it and apply it. i had a real bad neck/back for about 3 months from training (i thought). BUY THIS BOOK. also his new book is good i hear i just bought it , havent got to read it yet tho.

tudor_bjj · 09-13-2007, 05:50 AM

I have 2 protrusions (herniated disk) L4-L5, L5-S1. I have the same symptoms as you. But you can find out if it's the same problem only with an MRI (I don't know if it's the exact term in English, but it's the procedure that they do to "see" your soft tissues). Thing is you'll live with the pain all your life, unless it's getting worse, which means = surgery. Living with it means protecting your back from too much stress. Too much stress = hard twisting and loading the spine with supplimentary weight (does it ressemble wrestling?

). I do JJ and my back got used with the effort and I protect it all the time e.g. throws that don't involve loading the opponent (ouchi-gari etc.), no upa (bridging), avoid getting stacked etc.
I just spoke recently with a romanian olympic champion in wrestling and he told me absolutely all the people that he knows that did wrestling have know very bad backs...
So... switch to JJ. Or better yet chess. Or better... Tetris.

armtriangle · 09-13-2007, 11:11 AM

rub some dirt on it

EE6_TBOIO_MATb · 09-13-2007, 11:27 AM

I understand ur situation...It's not hurting anymore, yet not healed, and u feel like it will be like that forever.

Get an MRI and X rays, just to be sure.

But I guess some minor injuries need 3 months or so to properly heal.

TonyRockyHorror · 09-13-2007, 11:41 AM

you post a thread instead of asking a doctor? That makes sense.

jjmuaythaiguy · 09-13-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tudor_bjj

I have 2 protrusions (herniated disk) L4-L5, L5-S1. I have the same symptoms as you. But you can find out if it's the same problem only with an MRI (I don't know if it's the exact term in English, but it's the procedure that they do to "see" your soft tissues). Thing is you'll live with the pain all your life, unless it's getting worse, which means = surgery. Living with it means protecting your back from too much stress. Too much stress = hard twisting and loading the spine with supplimentary weight (does it ressemble wrestling?

). I do JJ and my back got used with the effort and I protect it all the time e.g. throws that don't involve loading the opponent (ouchi-gari etc.), no upa (bridging), avoid getting stacked etc.
I just spoke recently with a romanian olympic champion in wrestling and he told me absolutely all the people that he knows that did wrestling have know very bad backs...
So... switch to JJ. Or better yet chess. Or better... Tetris.

Do exactly what tudor says: See a doctor and request a MRI and xray. One doctore told me it was strained back muscles but another doctor sent me to the MRI and found exactly the same thing as tudor but including L3, L4, L5, L5-S1 protrusions (herniated disks). I rehabbed diligently for the last year and was able to get back on the mats in four. I also avoid getting stacked or loaded people onto my back but use my legs more. Before I start class I do back strengthening exercises (core) and minor muscles (lying flat on my belly, left hand up and right leg up and then right arm up and left leg). While I'm at it I also warm up my shoulders since I got a bad left shoulder.

See a doctor, get a MRI, don't mess with back injuries and pain, when you are older you will thank yourself for getting it done right early.