Sports Injuries Q & A

What are the most common sports injuries?

Sports injuries most often develop due to accidents, poor training, improper technique, and lack of conditioning. The most common sports injuries treated at SMART Spine Institute & Surgery Center are:

• ACL sprain or tear and other knee injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Ankle sprain
• Back injuries
• Hamstring strain
• Tendonitis
• Tennis and golf elbow

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

The team at SMART Spine Institute & Surgery Center includes highly-experienced chiropractors and orthopedic surgeons who perform a thorough physical examination.

Following your exam, advanced diagnostic testing is also available on site so your doctor can precisely determine the cause of your injury and the exact amount of soft tissue damage. Diagnostic procedures done in the clinic include:

MRI and CT

CTs use X-rays to create cross-section views, while MRIs produce similar images using magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses. A CT is preferred for bones, while an MRI is typically used to show a greater degree of detail in the soft tissues.

Nerve conduction velocity and electromyography

Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyography (EMG) studies assess nerve and muscle function.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images that allow your doctor to evaluate inflammation and injury in nerve roots, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Discogram

When you have back pain, a discogram determines whether an abnormal disc in your spine is the cause of the problem.

How are sports injuries treated?

After you sustain a sports injury, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and preventing further damage to the area. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the first steps, followed by immobilization, when needed, while your injury heals.

If your injury is more severe, your doctor may consider injections of platelet-rich plasma or stem cells to promote healing. Should you need surgery, it can be performed at the surgery center by experienced orthopedic surgeons.

When you’re ready to rehabilitate, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following therapies available at SMART Spine Institute & Surgery Center:

• Chiropractic treatment
• Physical therapy
• Balance training
• Joint and muscle injections
• Nerve blocks
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Cold laser therapy

When you’ve suffered a sports injury, call the experts at SMART Spine Institute & Surgery Center or use online booking to schedule an appointment.