AboutJ. Shawn Leatherman, DC, CCST, CCSP Expertise I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience I have accumulated over 1000 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego and the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic proceedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Better Business Bureau
Education/Credentials B.A. (Psychology) from The University of Cincinnati, B.S. (Human Biology)& D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) from Cleveland Chiropractic College, C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma) from The International Chiropractic Association, C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) from The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
Question Hi there, I'm a teenage gymnast, beginning to train about eighteen hours a week. My question has two parts: About eight weeks ago, I caught the bar completetly outstretched and as I caught it, I immediatley felt a sharp pain in my uppper back on the right side. It was very painful for a couple days but, since then, the pain has just about subsided. However, I've noticed that in that same spot, my back will crack simply if I take deep breaths. It's not very painful, but troubling. For the second part (sorry this is rather lengthy): I have also had pain in my lower back, especially when bending backwards. Often when standing, I need to take a moment to stand up straight, for it hurts if I do it too quickly. It becomes more severe during gymnastics practice. Any advice to relieve some of the pain? Thank you very much!
Answer Dear Emily,
Gymnastics is a particularly demanding sport for the lumbar spine due to the increased extension motions. Specifically the joints in the low back (called the facet joints); they can easily jam together while performing back handsprings, flips, vaults etc... The cartilage that lines the facet joints can become impinged and inflamed and result in immediate pinpoint pain over the joint spaces. If the inflammation persists, or the joint gets compressed then cartilage damage can occur and degeneration can take place. This is a common complaint from gymnasts and ballet dancers, and in the extreme form can lead to low back fractures called PARS fractures.
Here is the good news, proper mechanics and stability can decrease the stress on the joints and allow for better motion, and this does not have to be an issue to stop your training and competition. However, you need to start focusing on the issue now before it becomes a larger problem. There are specific rehab exercises that you can perform which will help with lumbar facet joint stability (prone extension exercises and bird dog exercises) and I would recommend that you have your lumbar spine and pelvis adjusted to allow for improved joint mechanics. The fact that you are a gymnast implies that you are in better physical shape than most patients and this should speed healing and recovery time, but the repetitive motion and stress of training can exacerbate the issue. You must strive for a proper balance.
In relation to the upper back pain issue that has mostly resolved...this can be strain/sprain injury, ligamentous laxity, myofascial adhesions in the tissue, or joint fixation that is relieved with motion. The fact that you are not experiencing much pain is a good one though. It would be a good idea to have the spinal function and soft tissue dynamics examined there as well.
I recommend that you get a functional and orthopedic examination form a local chiropractic physician, preferably one who has advanced training in sports injury or myofascial release techniques. You can search for such qualified doctors at:
