Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 6/17/2008

Question
I am a 17 year old male, 6 foot 8 and about 200 pounds. I was playing in a
basketball game yesterday and the ball was thrown way over my head to the
opponent. I jumped up and grabbed it. On my way down he bumped me a
little and I landed on my feet. The problem is that my left knee was not bent
when I landed and now I have pain in my left side. Lower back hip area,
feels like the top of the buttock. I have trouble standing up straight and
accomplishing everyday tasks. This happened last year during the season
and I saw a chiropractor then as well as earlier today.(I'll try to describe what
he had me do as well as I can) He had me lie on my right side with my left
foot resting on my right knee. My left knee hanging off the table. He pulled
my right arm a little so both my arms would cross and put his knee on my left
knee. He pushed my back and hip area and it seemed to pop a lot. He had
me do the same thing but on my other side. He said if it still hurts in 2-3
days to come back. I have iced it today and will continue to ice it through the
day. Should I continue to see him and ice my back? Are there any stretches
I can do to help at all? I need to get back to my team because I'm an
important part of it and they really need me. Thank you for your time. I hope
to hear from you soon.  

Answer
Jordan,

Unless you have a giant swollen area, ice will not do anything.  The side-posture joint manipulation is fairly standard for most DC's in treating back pain.  Your DC should be addressing stretching/exercises, reviewing the need for tape, soft tissue therapy, etc.   If you feel good and have no pain, then you should let the DC know and allow him/her to asses and discharge you from care.  If you still have symptoms, then obtain all the sports medicine avenues possible, not just side-posture joint manipulation, but maybe some other things as well.   There's kinesio-tape, SPRT tape, stretches, targeted exercises, ultrasound, laser, etc.  If all you're getting is a quick side-posture pop, maybe you're missing out.   See if your DC is listed on this web site:  www.acbsp.com  

'GOod luck with this!  

Dr. G