Why Does Your Back Hurt After Dancing?
Dancing requires a lot of physical exertion and flexibility. That’s why people who dance often may find that they experience back pain after dancing. Learn more about some common causes of back pain in dancers and your treatment options.
The movements associated with dancing may cause back pain if they’re done incorrectly or too often. One study suggests that lower back pain is more common in dancers than in the rest of the population. Common causes of back pain among dancers include:
- Long practice hours: Extended practice hours may cause fatigue, making movements less precise and more likely to injure.
- Incorrect form: Dynamic movements like backbends and extensions can cause wear to the back.
- Frequent performance: Much like long practice hours, regular performances may lead to a back injury.
- Genetics: Some dancers are more prone to back injury based on their genetic background.
If you have pain when arching your back backward or performing other everyday dance movements, it may be time to investigate the source. The most common back injuries include:
- Sprains and strains.
- Herniated disks.
- Fractured vertebrae.
If you’re a young athlete, the injury is more likely to be structural rather than muscular, so you should investigate the cause entirely to avoid further damage.
How to Treat Back Pain From Dancing
Depending on the severity of your back pain, several options exist for treatment:
- Heat
- Massage
- Physical therapy
- Stretching
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
These treatment options are most effective on less severe injuries, which makes them an excellent first step. You can try them for a few weeks to see whether your pain fades.
When to Call a Doctor
If your back pain persists and continues impeding your activities, it may be time to seek more extensive treatment options. Your doctor will assess your back injury and determine the best course for future treatment. Doctors may perform treatments like injections or surgery to solve the issues contributing to your back pain.
Metropolitan Pain & Spine Institute Can Help You Treat Excercise-Related Back Pain
If you experience long-term back pain after dancing, it may be time to reach out to a pain management doctor who can provide relief. At the Metropolitan Pain & Spine Institute, our doctors travel the world to find the best, non-invasive back pain solutions for you. We work with honesty and concern to formulate a care plan that suits your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about your options for spinal pain treatments.
