Pain From Gymnastics In The Si Joints & Lower Back

About 13 percent of injuries sustained during gymnastics occur to the spine and trunk, author Craig E. Morris reports in his book, "Low Back Syndromes: Integrated Clinical Management." Certain movements in gymnastics put you at a higher risk for injury to your lower back and sacroiliac, also called the SI joint. Once you know the potential causes of pain to these areas, you can take the proper steps to prevent injury.

Lower Back and SI Joint Pain

Your lower back is responsible for carrying most of your body weight, which puts this area at an increased risk for injury and pain. MayoClinic.com reports that your lower back is the most common part of your back to experience pain. Your SI joints are in your lower back, and connect your spine to your pelvis. Your SI joints help absorb the shock of movements from your upper body, and help your lower body balance appropriately to prevent injury and sustain normal range of motion.

Gymnastics

Because of the intense movements required during gymnastics, you might be at an increased risk for lower back and SI joint pain. Morris notes that gymnasts are flexible, but many lack bone and muscle strength to support their range of motion. The intense motions required by gymnastics, such as back bends and flips, also put you at an increased risk for lower back and SI joint pain. Improper balance when executing gymnastics moves is an additional cause of pain in these areas.

Recommendations

Practice your posture to help balance your body weight while doing gymnastics moves. Improper posture can put strain on your back muscles, which can lead to pain. Work on your form as well. Proper form will help balance your body weight so you do not put additional pressure on your lower back and SI joints. Muscle-building exercises may also help strengthen your entire body, which will reduce your risk of injury as well. Regular rest and breaks from your gymnastics training will give your body time to repair and heal.

Considerations

If your lower back or SI joint pain is severe, take two or three days off from practicing your gymnastics moves to allow your body to heal and recover. If your pain is chronic, see your doctor immediately to determine whether you have a more serious injury to your lower back or SI joints. Normal wear and tear of your vertebrae may lead to a herniated disk, which occurs when the disk pinches the nerve in your spinal column. Your doctor will be able to diagnose this condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Chronic SI joint pain could require further treatment, such as medication or injections. Speak with your doctor about these options.