Sports and Back Injuries

Low back pain is not uncommon. In fact, approximately 80% of us suffer from some form of back pain at sometime in our life. However, athletes are at higher risk for chronic and acute back injuries due to their level of activity. Even the most fit athletes are known to sustain lumbar (lower) spine injuries due to the strenuous activity they subject their bodies to.

While on ESPN’s Sunday morning radio program, “Laying Down The Law,” Dr. Adam Bruggeman – the official spine surgeon of the UTSA Roadrunners Football team spoke to host Steve Foster about football and back injuries.

It was brought up that the most common injuries that cause back pain in the young athlete are muscle strains and ligament sprains. They can be the result of poor technique, lack of good conditioning, insufficient stretching, or a dynamic trauma. Many cases can be traced to a single event; others are brought about by repetitive minor injuries that result in micro traumas. The traumatic event can be the result of a “flight maneuver.” This is when an athlete is airborne and lands on a hard surface, such as the floor, turf or water. Other activities associated with spinal injuries include blocking in football, takedowns in wrestling, and use of heavy weights and attempts at complex free-weight lifts in weight training.

One of the more common sports injuries is known as a “Stinger.” A Stinger is most common in football and wrestling, to defensive backs, linebackers, or offensive linemen. The injury occurs in one of two ways: either one of the nerves of the spinal cord in the neck is compressed as the head is forced backward and toward that side; or the nerves in the neck and shoulder are over-stretched as the head is forced sideways away from the shoulder. The result is a sudden and severe painful, electrical sensation in one of the arms frequently lasting from seconds to minutes, occasionally hours and less frequently days or longer. While it is usually a spinal injury, it is never a spinal cord injury. The Stinger occurs most commonly in contact and collision sports, but is not as catastrophic as a spinal cord injury and does not result in paralysis of the arms and legs. A Stinger can work its way out pretty quickly. However, Stingers tend to recur and if not properly diagnosed and treated can lead to persistent pain or even arm weakness, which can eventually result in extended lost playing time.

It is not uncommon for an athlete to avoid seeking medical help if they get hurt. Many of them ignore the pain to avoid losing a position on the team, missing a game, or letting the team down. Some athletes don’t even bother seeing a doctor; they believe it will get better on its own or they can play through the pain. However, avoiding treatment can lead to a more serious injury.

The most common treatment solution for the serious athlete or the “weekend warrior” should be ice and over the counter anti-inflammatories. If the symptoms continue, especially if you suffer muscle spasms, applying heat can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

But if the symptoms get worse after a few days or continue beyond two weeks, then a medical assessment is necessary. The physician may order specific tests such as X-ray examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or an electromyogram (EMG) which is designed to evaluate for nerve damage. Occasionally a Stinger can result from a disk herniation in the neck. If so, this should be confirmed on the MRI.

Dr. Adam Bruggeman MD heads up Texas Spine Careof San Antonio and has quickly been building a reputation in San Antonio and surrounding areas as the premier spine surgeon in the South Texas region.

Kim BKim B
16:04 07 Feb 23
Dr Bruggerman operated on my neck last year and I can move it, I no longer am staring at the ground 24/7, I can turn it, twist it and look at the sky! I believe he uses magic in his surgeries. Kim is wonderful, kind and understanding of what I’m going through with my pain. She helps me understand what can be done to make my back better and their team has already improved my quality of life. They are now working on making my lower back pain better.Let’s not forget the office staff, they are all so nice and welcoming and clarify everything I need to do for my upcoming procedures and appointments.
Denise GarzaDenise Garza
19:24 08 Jan 23
This was my 1st visit. I’ve never been more impressed with a medical practice. The entire staff was very friendly and professional. The medical staff made me feel heard. Very clean and well organized I felt a peace in trusting them with my problems.
Robert HarrisRobert Harris
16:35 10 Nov 22
From the time I entered the reception zone until the time I left their office, I was VERY impressed by the congenial, caring and very professional atmosphere and the personnel that made it so!I was the VP of Operations for a large cardiology practice and I can say from experience that Dr. Bruggeman and his entire staff are exceptional! One of the BEST practices I’ve ever stepped foot in for sure and I am left wondering how you were able to recruit Angels to work for you?THANK YOU Dr. Bruggeman for the peace and assurance that you imparted to me and kudos to you and all of your precious staff members for working to go way beyond being good to being totally exceptional!
Montgomery StewartMontgomery Stewart
15:42 21 Oct 22
Dr. Bergerman is very friendly attentive and is very prompt in getting you the best treatment needed for your complaints. His staff is very helpful and professional. The front desk is is exceptional and helpful. At this office I don’t feel like some other health care providers where everything is just professional and once you pay you get treated and leave. You are free to ask questions and if you are not sure they’re never too busy to help. I would recommend others to this off.
Excellent care, the level of care and expertise are commendable. Complete and precise explanation of what is happening and the potential plan of care was discussed at length. We never felt rushed and our questions were answered with care and compassion. Highly recommend
Admin UserAdmin User
21:18 01 Aug 22
Fantastic. Very efficient and friendly office. Very competent at providing services and scheduling. Dr. Bruggeman did two surgeries on me. Both came out absolutely fantastic! I could not recommend him more. Dr. Bruggeman does not need the practice at surgery. If he says you need surgery, you really should listen to him.
Cynthia LockeCynthia Locke
17:46 12 Jul 22
Absolutely the best in SA! Can never thank Dr.Bruggeman and his extraordinary staff enough, for giving me the absolute best care and treatment before and after my disc replacement. Wouldn’t trust anyone but them for any spinal surgeries. So happy with my results!
Army VeteranArmy Veteran
18:49 21 Jun 22
Went to Texas Spine Care Center for the first time today, and my experience was AWESOME! From the two ladies at the front office counter who greats you with a smile and professionalism. The office is very upscale, clean and very inviting. The wait time was short to be called back to see the care representative. The exam room was clean, bright and upscale. I was seen by Dr. Yvonne Paredes who was very professional, and provided in detail information about my medical concerns. She explained what her recommendations would be to bring me some relief from my condition and pain. I highly recommend giving TSCC an experience, you will definitely enjoy it.James W
Gloria FulkersonGloria Fulkerson
18:04 14 Jun 22
I have had two surgeries performed by Dr. Bruggerman since Feb. 2019. One was a fusion in the lower neck/upper spine. The other was implanting a spinal cord stimulator. Both surgeries were successful and helped me to get my life back. I would highly recommend his office! His team of employees are awesome! Everyone is very nice, compassionate, and helpful. My stimulator is made by Boston Scientific. Dr. Bruggerman’s office coordinated my appointments with Boston Scientific so that a representative was there for the appointments along the way. He also worked very well with my pain management doctor, Dr. Tisdell. I had a wonderful team of medical professionals all the way around!
Johnny BacyJohnny Bacy
17:49 26 May 22
I am very happy with the results from my neck surgery. I also really enjoy seeing ladies at the front desk, Faby does it all. Ms Dora is always so pleasant and great at her job. I have already recommend my family to come here. Very Happy!!! 😃
Jeff TuffsJeff Tuffs
16:55 13 Apr 22
Very professional, and the conversation was understandable to even a layman. They didn’t try to push an agenda, but instead provided options.Very satisfied with my visit.
Yesenia MartinezYesenia Martinez
16:42 04 Apr 22
Thank you Everyone from Texas Spine & NuHope for offering what was needed in the process of a journey & a chapter of my life. With the hope and believing God was with me every step of my journey. I was bless to meet Dr. Adam Bruggeman as my spine doctor/surgeon & his medical team assistants, the care that was much needed!The surgery was a success, recovered well, was active again going back to the gym faithfully but after 2 years feeling pain again due to alarming physical and mental pain.By the Grace of God I am healed in not needing a second surgery that was going be quite different than the laminectomy surgery.God is Good. I thank God for medical teams and doctors that have the knowledge and guidance with the gift of helping others that are in need of Medical Necessity, God bless you All.Do not have fear of what God is able to do and what a surgery can do that is needed to live a better lifestyle to reduce the pain or have no pain at all.Thank you.-Yesenia
Lupita FloresLupita Flores
18:43 11 Mar 22
I have had 2 surgeries with Dr. Bruggeman and have done well. Dr Paredes is very courteous, professional, and treats us like family. All the staff is super friendly. I highly recommend this practice.
Mario GonzalezMario Gonzalez
20:16 28 Feb 22
This was my first time surgery and I was confident to leave this kind of surgery on Dr Adam Bruggeman.
Heather BlakleyHeather Blakley
12:04 01 Feb 22
I could write a novel but will try to be brief. I spent a large portion of my life ignored for the serious pain I lived with and Dr. Bruggeman discovered exactly what I was living with. It’s a rough road but he has made such a huge difference in my quality of life. I thank God I am in his care. His staff is hands down the best I have ever experienced. Dr. Bruggeman and his staff are all smart, kind, professional and there to help in every way. God bless you.
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