The 21st Century ushered in a new era in sports and fitness. New forms of sports like mixed martial arts, parkour, and other extreme sports have revolutionized the way people engage in sports or a fitness routine. These sports activities are known to be physically demanding and often put the athlete at greater risk of injury.



Among tennis players, for example, a recent study made by Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital has shown that high-level tennis can be detrimental to the spine. A team of researchers scanned the spines of 33 elite adolescent tennis players, male and female, who trained at the National Tennis Centre, the club where you can find Britain's most promising young tennis players. Though none of the youths have reported back pain, their backs, however, told a different story.

Serious spinal abnormalities were found to affect 28 players, a high 85%, ranging from cysts to fractures. Twenty three had an early stage of joint disease, while 13 were found to have herniated discs or desiccated, shriveled discs, a condition usually common in septuagenarians but much less prevalent in teenagers.

According to the authors of the study, the frequent, repetitive and rapid rotation from the lumbar spine is the reason why this condition develops. Playing it ?during the growth spurt? is particularly detrimental.

Experts believe that in order to protect and build a better back, one must develop a solid core. The core muscle system is made up of the muscles, ligaments and tendons which provide rigging for the spine. The big muscles in front of the spine, as well as those at the sides are specifically important in stabilizing the back. These are the rectus, transverse, and oblique abdominals. Same with the less familiar intertransversi, interspinalis and multifidus muscles --- all of which connect to the larger abdominal group but are usually ignored in magazine articles about washboard abs. Both muscle groups must be strong and supple in order to keep the spine stable.

However, individuals who suffer from lower back pain are encouraged to consult their medical professional in the first sign of ailment. Health professionals may prescribe the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other prescription drugs. These drugs should be taken properly to reduce the development of side effects, drug interactions, and allergies. In addition to these unwanted effects, several studies suggest that using medication for extended periods may lead to some kidneys problems.

On the other hand, some cases of back pain may require surgery to be treated. A number of researches suggest that lumbar disk replacement may reduce back pain and has a shorter recovery time than other forms of back surgery, such as spinal fusion. However, more research is needed to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of lumbar disk replacement.

Individuals with serious back condition are encouraged to utilize other forms of treatment like physical therapy and rest before undergoing lumbar replacement surgery. Understanding this procedure and other forms of treatment is necessary in relieving hip joint pain and reduce complications. Rather than seeking treatment for back pain, tennis players are encouraged to perform exercises that may strengthen the core and back muscles. Training and playing tennis in moderation may also help prevent back conditions from developing.