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Chiropractors/Contortionist back problems?
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Question
I am a beginner contortionist and have recently started to do backbends. A week ago I was experiencing a pinching sensation in my middle back a little to the left of my spine? What is it and how do I treat it. I heard contortionists have a lot of back problems later on in life, how can I prevent this?
Thanks!
Lauren,
You greatly run the risk of fracturing a part of your lumbar vertebra called the pars interarticularis. If you break the pars', then there will be pain. If you break both left and right pars', then you run the risk of have long term spine instability and pain. Some of these require surgical fusion/stabilization. So you can get a better visualization of this, you need to google "Pars Interarticularis" and "spondylolisthesis from bilateral pars defect." If you must continue as a contortionist, then consider always doing spine and core strengthening, including simple exercises that keep the back and sides of your torso strong, e.g. "bird-dog" on a gym ball, and a side plank. Good luck with this,
Dr. G'
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- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
Expertise
21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.
Experience
Experience:
- 21 years in practice;
- Pan American Games, 2011: Official Medical Staff for the Pan Am Games.
- Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: World Olympians Associan and International Sports Chiropractic Association Healthcare Team;
- International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma;
- Official Provider: Jamaican Track and Field team for Penn Relays (2009-2011)
- Experience with USA Gymnastics Healthcare team and International Powerlifting Association Medical Staff;
- 300 hour chiropractic sports medicine diplomate degree (DACBSP); International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma (ICSSD)
- Healthcare Consultant: Century, Ty-Wood Corp. Holliston, MA (2005-2007)
- Team Chiropractor: Boston Bulldogs USL D-3 & Boston Renegades USL W-1 League (1999-2004)
- Independent Examiner: Scope Medical and The Physician's Network
- Professional/Clinical Monitor: Affiliated Monitors, Inc.
- Board of Directors: MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Massachusetts)2000-2006
- "The Impact of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy on Chronic Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain Syndrome in Two Young Athletes" J. of Chiro Med , Fall 2004
- "Work Related Injury;" The Hanover Report, June, 1993
- "Long Lasting Analgesic Effect of Oxymorphonazine in Rats;" Agonists and Antagonists III, n.7675, 1985
- BS Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic: Northwestern College of Chiropractic,
- Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
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