5 Common Spinal Injuries Related to Pickleball

By Amanda N. Sacino, MD-PhD . Neurosurgeon and Managing Partner

Pickleball is increasingly recognized for its health benefits and social aspects. However, as with any physical activity, it carries risks, particularly to the spine. A notable concern is compression fracture, a severe injury requiring heightened awareness among pickleball enthusiasts. Pickleball’s court size and play style require agility, quick reflexes, and frequent directional changes. These movements, while part of the sport’s appeal, can place significant stress on the player’s spinal column. The potential for injury, especially in the unprepared, is substantial.

Common Spinal Injuries in Pickleball
1. Compression Fractures: Often occurring in the lower back, these fractures result when the vertebral bone collapses. They are more common in older adults, particularly postmenopausal women and those with osteoporosis. Symptoms include sudden, severe back pain that worsens with twisting or bending. The seriousness of these injuries lies in their ability to cause lasting pain and significant changes in lifestyle.

2. Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains: These injuries are prevalent due to the sport’s stop-start nature. They can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain and can occur in any part of the spine. Proper warm-up routines and stretching are crucial in preventing these injuries.

3. Herniated Discs: This injury is characterized by a disc protruding out between the vertebrae and pressing on a nerve. Symptoms include localized back pain with radiating, shooting leg pain. Herniated discs in pickleball can result from sudden twists or poor posture during play.

4. Spondylolisthesis: This condition, where a vertebra slips out of place onto the bone below it, can be exacerbated by the sport’s repetitive twisting and bending motions. It can cause lower back pain, muscle tightness, and nerve pain in the legs.

5. Spinal Stenosis: Typically seen in older players, this condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to nerve pain and numbness in the arms and/or legs. The repetitive motions in pickleball can aggravate this condition.

Risk Factors
A deeper look into the factors increasing the risk of spinal injuries in pickleball players:
. Age-Related Changes: As players age, the spine naturally degenerates, losing flexibility and bone density. This biological process makes the spine more susceptible to injuries.
. Previous Spinal Conditions: Individuals with a history of back problems, such as previous injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions like arthritis, have a heightened risk. The weakened structures in the spine are more prone to re-injury, especially under the physical demands of pickleball.
. Inadequate Physical Preparation: Proper preparation goes beyond simple warm-ups. It includes maintaining overall physical fitness, ensuring flexibility, and building core strength. Lack of preparation leaves the spine vulnerable to strains and other injuries.

Prevention Strategies
The following concepts help to effectively minimize the risk of spinal injuries:
. Prioritizing Bone Health: For older players, focusing on bone health is crucial. This includes adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, possibly through supplements, and engaging in weight-bearing exercises to maintain bone density. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also plays a significant role in bone health. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians about regular bone density scans and treatment for osteoporosis if necessary.
. Mastering Proper Techniques: Correct playing techniques can significantly reduce the strain on the spine. This includes learning the right way to twist, bend, and strike the ball. Working with a coach or taking lessons can be beneficial in mastering these techniques.
. Regular Physical Fitness Routines: Engaging in a regular fitness regimen that includes exercises for flexibility, core stability, and overall muscle conditioning is vital. Activities like yoga, pilates, and targeted strength training can enhance spinal stability and reduce injury risk.
. Utilizing Appropriate Equipment: Shoes designed for court sports provide better grip and support, reducing the risk of falls and awkward movements that can lead to injury.

Treatment and Management
. Immediate Care for Minor Injuries: For less severe injuries like strains and sprains, the first line of treatment often involves rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medications, and bracing. This conservative approach is usually effective for minor soft tissue injuries.
. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: For injuries that are more severe but non-surgical, physical therapy plays a crucial role. Tailored exercise programs help in strengthening the back muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring range of motion.
. Pain Management: Chronic pain from spinal injuries may require medical interventions like pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce inflammation and pain.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
. Kyphoplasty: This is particularly effective for treating compression fractures. In kyphoplasty, a balloon-like device is used to gently elevate the fractured vertebra to return it to the correct position. Bone cement is then injected to stabilize the fracture. This procedure not only helps in relieving pain but also restores height and spinal alignment.
. Other Minimally Invasive Procedures: Depending on the nature and location of the injury, other minimally invasive surgeries like microdiscectomy or laminectomy may be considered. These procedures aim to relieve pressure on spinal nerves while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Conclusion
Pickleball players must be aware of the potential spinal injuries associated with the sport, particularly compression fractures and herniated discs. By understanding these risks and employing prevention strategies, players can enjoy the benefits of pickleball while safeguarding their spinal health. Should injuries occur, prompt and appropriate treatment is key to a successful recovery.

The Compression Fracture Clinic, a service of Apex Brain & Spine, was specifically created and designed for the specialized care and treatment of vertebral compression fractures. Focused on  minimally-invasive kyphoplasty, the Compression Fracture Clinic is certified and licensed by the Florida Department of Health. Patients are able to come into a comfortable office setting, have their fracture treated while under moderate sedation, recover in a private room, and go home within an hour of the procedure being completed. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for you or your loved one with a compression fracture, call 239-422-2739.

Apex Brain & Spine

239-422-APEX (2739)
3530 Kraft Road, Suite 203 • Naples, FL 34105
www.apexbrainandspine.com