A spinal cord lesion is an abnormal area that occurs in response to an injury, an infection or another type of damage. If you have a lesion on your C-2 or cervical vertebra in the neck, you are unlikely to be able to participate in any type of vigorous activity, including tennis. Your doctor will need to determine why you have a spinal lesion in your C-2 vertebra, and you will need to take it easy to allow your spinal column to heal.
Anatomy
Your spinal cord runs from the base of your skull down to your lower back. Your spine is made up of a series of vertebrae, starting with C-1 at the top of your spine. Your spinal cord runs inside your vertebrae and plays a crucial role in your neurological function and physical activity. If your vertebrae or spinal cord are damaged, you may experience a decrease in your ability to move. Damage to the C-2 vertebra can be life threatening.
Lesions
Generally, lesions at the top of your spine are more debilitating than those at the bottom. A lesion is any type of injury, such as a puncture wound, abscess, hematoma, tumor or bone erosion. According to the Merck Manual, a lesion anywhere above your C-5 vertebra, including the C-2, might cause respiratory paralysis or quadriplegia. Not all C-2 lesions are as dangerous or serious as others. Your doctor will likely diagnose your lesion with an X-ray or MRI and make a treatment plan based on the severity of your injury.
Physical Activity
Because a lesion on your C-2 significantly reduces your ability to move and be active, you may not be able to play tennis. According to a report in the “Canadian Medical Association Journal,” tennis elbow may be linked to problems with your spine. While the study was not specific to the C-2 vertebra, the authors note that treating the spine problems may reduce pain associated with tennis elbow. “The Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy” reports that lateral elbow pain and pain in the spine, including the C-2 vertabra, can be connected. When you experience pain in your elbow or your spine, it will be more difficult to play tennis. If your C-2 lesion is related to tennis elbow, your doctor may recommend that you not play tennis until your spine is healed.
Considerations
If you experience a traumatic injury to your C-2, your doctor will likely diagnose the lesion during initial treatment. Spinal lesions, such as tumors, may occur gradually. Tingling or numbness in your limbs or reduced range of motion could signal a problem with your spinal column. If you notice that you experience pain or difficulty playing tennis, contact your doctor right away. Do not attempt to play tennis, or any other vigorous sport, until you see your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.
References
- Neuroanatomy Lab Resource Appendices: Spinal Cord Lesion
- The Merck Manual: Overview of Spinal Cord Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: Spinal Cord Injury
- Canadian Medical Association Journal: Tennis Elbow and the Cervical Spine
- Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy: Prevalence of Pain and Dysfuction in the Cervical and Thoracic in Persons With and Without Lateral Elbow Pain
