The purpose of the following is to provide the reader with information regarding treatment of minor medical issues. The purpose is not to provide medical advice and is not meant to circumvent the need for diagnosis and treatment of medical problems by trained medical professionals. Many more serious medical problems may only be capable of diagnosis by these trained professionals.

Back

Disc Injury (herniated disc)

Cause: Disc injuries are often the result of a heavy strain or repeated stress on the lower back. A sudden twisting movement can also result in an injury. Athletes who can easily have bad posture, such as a baseball catcher or football lineman, are especially susceptible to a disc injury.

Prevention: Maintain good posture to reduce stress on your back. Always use correct lifting techniques. Lift with your knees and push yourself up with your legs; never lift with your back.

Treatment: This diagnosis and recommended treatment must be under the supervision of a physician. Temporarily rest your back and gradually build up to your usual activity level, as recommended by your doctor. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. If the pain does not cease or if you become incontinent (you are passing your water without control), surgery or physical therapy may be needed so contact your doctor immediately.

Imaging: If there is concern for disc herniation, MRI may be done to evaluate it.

Pelvic Fracture (bottom of the back)

Cause: A pelvic fracture is often the result of a fall on the buttocks, a blow to the side of the pelvis, or torn ligaments around the sacroiliac joint. Athletes in every sport can develop this type of injury.

Prevention: Take care of your back by maintaining good posture to reduce stress on your back. Always use correct lifting techniques. Lift with your knees and push yourself up with your legs; never lift with your back.

Treatment: If you believe you have a fractured pelvis, seek medical attention immediately. Rest your back and work with a physical therapist to determine what amount of activity you should be doing. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. A brace called a sacroiliac belt can help to ease the pain. If the pain does not cease, injections or surgery may be needed so contact your doctor if your symptoms don't improve.

Imaging: Radiographs can demonstrate most fractures. MRI or CT may be performed to evaluate for more subtle fractures or any associated injuries.

Neck Pain

Cause: Neck pain is caused by activities that place strain on the neck, such as bad posture or a fall. Sports in which players often have bad posture, including golf, bicycling, and tennis, commonly cause neck pain.

Prevention: Make sure that you are maintaining good posture and using proper techniques for the sport(s) that you play. By doing these things, you can reduce the strain on your neck.

Treatment: Put an ice pack on the sore part of your neck and take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. Check your posture and techniques to avoid injuring your neck again. Do gentle exercises to increase mobility. If the pain does not cease, physical therapy or surgery may be needed so contact your doctor if your symptoms don't improve.

Imaging: Radiographs and CT look for osseous abnormalities. MRI looks for any soft tissue injuries.

Whiplash

Cause: Whiplash can be caused by a blow to the head during a contact sport, such as football or hockey. Another cause of whiplash is a punch in the head, as may occur during martial arts.

Prevention: Wear protective headgear when participating in contact sports or other activities during which your head is susceptible to being struck, including football, boxing, and wrestling.

Treatment: If you believe you have whiplash, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will need to examine you to determine a treatment plan. The doctor may suggest that you apply ice packs to your neck, take pain relievers, get bed rest, wear a cervical collar, and/or perform gentle exercises. If the pain does not cease after you have completed the recommended treatment plan, return to your doctor.

Imaging: MRI may be done to look for any soft tissue injuries.