Is Pickleball Bad For Your Back? 6 Tips To Avoid Pain

Man. stretching before pickleball

Pickleball has become a popular sport for those looking for a fun way to stay active. However, with the intense movements involved in the game, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and how to prevent injuries, especially when it comes to your back. So is pickleball bad for your back? Well, it depends on the style of play and other factors we will address in this post.

As a Pickleball player, you may have experienced back pain or injury or be interested in knowing how to protect your back while playing.

In this article, we’ll explore the physical demands of pickleball, common back injuries that can occur, and ways to prevent muscle atrophy and treat back pain. So if you’re looking to play pickleball safely and responsibly, read on to learn more.

How Can Playing Pickleball Affect Your Back?

Pickleball involves a range of physical movements such as running, jumping, twisting, and bending. These movements can put a lot of stress on your back, especially if you are not using the proper position and technique or conditioning your body effectively.

Twisting Movements

One of the most significant contributors to back pain in pickleball is the twisting and jerking motion involved in hitting the ball. You stress your back and abdominal muscles when you twist your torso to hit the ball, leading to strains and sprains over time. It’s essential to use proper technique when hitting the ball and to avoid over-twisting your torso to reduce the risk of back injury.

Repetitive Motion Could Cause Back Pain

Repetitive movements required in the sport, frequent bending down to pick up the ball or jumping to hit overhead shots, can cause overuse injuries and lead to back pain. Squatting down instead of bending can help reduce the pressure on your back. A proper warm-up and stretching routine before playing can also help reduce the risk of back pain.

Playing For Extended Periods Of Time

Additionally, playing for an extended period can exacerbate these issues. It’s essential to take breaks and rest between games to prevent overuse injuries from occurring. Dehydration and fatigue can also contribute to back pain, so staying hydrated and maintaining good physical fitness is crucial.

By understanding the physical demands of pickleball and taking steps to prevent back pain and injuries, you can continue to enjoy the game without the risk of debilitating back pain. In the next section, we’ll discuss ways to prevent and treat back pain and injuries while playing pickleball.

Is pickleball bad for your back?

What are the Signs & Symptoms Of Back Pain

Lower back pain can affect pickleball players in many ways, and the signs and symptoms can impact the ability to play and enjoy the game. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with lower back pain and how they can relate to pickleball:

Dull or sharp pain:

Lower back pain can cause a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain in the lower back area. This pain is exacerbated by the twisting motion hitting the ball in pickleball. Take a break and get bed rest if you’re experiencing lower back pain while playing pickleball.

Stiffness:

Lower back pain can cause stiffness, making it difficult to move or bend. In pickleball, this can impact your ability to move around the court and hit the ball effectively. A proper warm-up and stretching before playing can help reduce stiffness and improve spinal stability.

Muscle spasms:

Severe lower back pain can cause muscle spasms, which can be painful and make it difficult to move. These spasms occur by overuse or fatigue and poor posture. Taking breaks and resting between games can help prevent muscle spasms and other overuse injuries.

Numbness or tingling:

Lower back pain can cause numbness or tingling sensations in the legs, feet, or buttocks. This pain can be a sign of nerve damage, which a herniated disc or other injuries can cause. If you’re experiencing numbness or tingling while playing pickleball, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause.

Weakness:

In some cases, lower back pain can cause weakness in the legs or feet, making it difficult to walk or stand. This type of pain can signify a more severe injury and may require medical attention. If you experience weakness while playing pickleball, you must immediately stop and seek medical attention.

Limited range of motion:

Lower back pain can limit your range of motion, making it difficult to perform physical activities like sports or exercise. In pickleball, this can impact your ability to move around the court and hit the ball effectively. A proper warm-up and stretching routine before playing can help improve your range of motion and injury prevention.

By understanding the signs and symptoms associated with lower back pain and how they relate to pickleball, you can take steps to prevent and treat back pain and injuries while playing the game. If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and best course of treatment.

How to Prevent and Treat Back Injuries in Pickleball

Here are some ways to treat and prevent injuries while playing:

Warm-up and Stretching:

Warming up before playing pickleball is essential to reduce the risk of injury. A proper warm-up routine can increase blood flow to the muscles and prepare them for the game’s physical demands. Dynamic stretching can help improve mobility and flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness.

Proper Footwear:

Proper footwear is crucial in preventing injuries while playing pickleball. Wearing shoes with good support and cushioning can absorb shock and reduce the impact on your joints. Non-slip soles can help prevent slips and falls, which can lead to ankle and knee injuries.

Correct Technique:

Using proper technique when hitting the ball in pickleball can reduce the risk of injury. Practicing good posture can help reduce muscle strains and joint stress. Taking lessons from a qualified instructor can help improve your technique and reduce the risk of injury.

Rest and Recovery:

Rest and recovery are critical in preventing injuries while playing. It would help if you took breaks between games or sets can help reduce fatigue and to avoid overuse injuries. Proper hydration and nutrition can also aid in recovery and reduce the risk of injury.

Muscle Strengthening Exercises:

Strengthening exercises can help reduce the risk of injury and improve your overall performance in pickleball. Core strength, back, and leg muscles can improve stability and balance issues, reducing the risk of falls and other injuries.

Ice and Heat Therapy:

Ice and heat therapy can treat minor injuries or soreness from playing pickleball. Ice can reduce inflammation and swelling, while heat can improve blood flow and aid muscle recovery. Applying ice or heat for 15-20 minutes can help relieve pain and speed healing.

Following these tips can reduce the risk of injuries while playing pickleball and enjoy the game safely and effectively. Always listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience pain or discomfort while playing.

Warming up before a pickleball game

How do I Warm Up Before Pickleball To Avoid Back Injury?

Here are some examples of stretches that you can do before the game, along with the proper techniques and good posture:

  1. Leg Swings: Stand facing a wall or a sturdy object and place your hands on it for support. Swing one leg forward and back like a pendulum, keeping it straight and using your pelvic region as the pivot point. Do this for 10-15 repetitions on the right and left leg.

  2. Side Lunge: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and take a wide step to the side with one leg, keeping the other leg straight. Bend the knee of the lunging leg and lower your body down towards the floor, keeping your back straight. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

  3. Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Reach forward and try to touch your toes, keeping your back straight. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat several times.

  4. Hip Flexor Stretch: Kneel on one knee with the other leg bent at a 90-degree angle in front of you. Lean forward into the front leg, feeling a pelvic stretch in the hip of the back leg. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

  5. Shoulder Muscles Stretch: Stand with your feet flat shoulder-width apart with your arms relaxed. Reach one arm across your chest and use the other to pull the stretching arm towards your chest, feeling a stretch in the shoulder. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat on the other side. This should stretch out your upper body and help you warm up pre-game. If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, read our post on how to manage it.

When doing stretches, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the stretch’s intensity. Never bounce or force a stretch, as this can cause further injury. Remember to breathe deeply and relax into each stretch, and stop the stretch immediately if you experience back discomfort.

What is the Most Common Injury in Pickleball?

The most common injury in pickleball is an ankle sprain. This is because pickleball involves a lot of side-to-side movements and quick changes in direction, which can stress the ankle joints. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, which can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Another common injury in pickleball is tennis elbow, a tendinitis that affects the elbow. Tennis elbow can occur when the muscles and tendons in the forearm are overused, causing small tears in the tissue. This can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in the arm, making it difficult to grip and hold a paddle.

Lower back pain is also common in pickleball, especially for players with poor posture or weak core muscles. Lower body pain can cause discomfort and stiffness in the lower back, making it difficult to move or play comfortably.

Wrapping Up

Pickleball is a fun and popular sport, but it’s essential to take steps to prevent injuries, especially to your back. The physical movements in the game can put a lot of stress on your back, leading to strains and sprains.

By understanding the physical demands of pickleball and taking steps to prevent back pain and injuries, such as using proper technique and taking breaks, players can continue to enjoy the game without the risk of debilitating back pain. Warm-up, stretching, proper footwear, and good posture are crucial in preventing injuries. If experiencing lower back pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, numbness or tingling, weakness, or limited range of motion, it’s essential to seek medical attention to determine the cause and best treatment.