Q. I’m a 35-year-old calf roper who has recently been experiencing some pain in my lower back. I’ve noticed that the pain seems to be gradually getting worse, and I also feel a sense of stiffness after I finish roping. Any suggestions to help deal with these issues?
A. First of all, rodeo is obviously known for being one of the toughest sports out there, because of the havoc it can wreak on your joints and muscles (not to mention the high risk of injury). So it’s not surprising that you’re starting to experience some aches and stiffness in your lumbosacral region.
I recommend that you consult a physician, physical therapist, or sports medicine specialist regarding simple exercises you can do to minimize pain and tension in your back. Often, these can encourage circulation to the area to help promote healing.
Another thing that can help is to start wearing a Donjoy Lumbosacral Support Brace. This can provide compression to the area in order to aid in the recovery process. Your best bet is to find a brace that allows you both comfort and breathability, while also applying firm pressure to the area being healed.
In addition to these methods, you may want to consider treating the area with some type of healing gel to relax your back muscles and reduce the chance of experiencing painful spasms. Applying a gel will also increase circulation to the area, as well as deliver painkilling medicines to your muscles to minimize inflammation and swelling. |
