Neck and Back Injuries from Trampoline Practice: Symptoms and Recovery

Cervical spine issues, sports injuries?

Hello, I apologize for the interruption.
On May 20th, while practicing on a trampoline, I misjudged the distance and landed on my back against the edge of the trampoline.
I immediately got up, fearing that others would worry.
At that moment, aside from the pain in the impacted area (my back), I experienced difficulty breathing, similar to previous fall experiences, but it improved later and my breathing became smoother.
I also had a numbness sensation in my right foot, which subsided after about thirty seconds.
However, when lying in bed before sleep and twisting my waist, I felt a slight pain (pain level 2/10) in a nerve located just above my right lower back (not very pronounced).
Additionally, in my neck, when I look up, the muscles on both sides of the front of my neck feel a bit weak, and I unconsciously shrug my shoulders to support my head.
I also feel a slight constriction when swallowing, as if the swallowing space has decreased (or it could be an illusion?).
I used a small pillow to support my cervical spine while sleeping, which was more comfortable.
On May 21st, when I woke up, aside from soreness in the muscles on both sides of my neck, looking up was less strenuous, but the sensation of constriction while swallowing persisted.
Other than that, my right foot has no significant symptoms, and the area where I landed only hurts when pressed or when I arch my back or bend over into certain positions.
Since the school clinic only has rehabilitation services available at a convenient time for me, I wanted to consult with you.
Thank you, doctor.

Ms. Tseng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/21

Dr. Zhan Xian reply Orthopedics

Hello Ms.
Tseng, if your symptoms have improved after a few days, it may be a bruise.
However, if there is no improvement and it affects your mobility, please visit the orthopedic clinic.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2024/05/21

More Info

Injuries sustained during trampoline practice can lead to a variety of symptoms, particularly in the neck and back regions. Based on your description, it sounds like you experienced a significant impact when you fell, which can lead to both soft tissue injuries and potential nerve involvement. Here’s a breakdown of your symptoms and some guidance on recovery.

Symptoms Analysis
1. Back Pain and Breathing Difficulties: The immediate pain in your back following the impact is expected, especially if you landed on a hard surface. The initial difficulty in breathing could be due to muscle strain or a spasm in the intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs), which can occur after a sudden impact. Fortunately, since your breathing improved, it suggests that there was no serious injury to your lungs or ribs.

2. Numbness in the Right Leg: The transient numbness you experienced in your right leg could indicate a temporary nerve compression or irritation, possibly due to the position of your body during the fall. The fact that it resolved quickly is a positive sign, but it’s essential to monitor for any recurring symptoms.

3. Pain in the Upper Right Side of the Back: The pain you feel when twisting your torso could be related to muscle strain or irritation of the facet joints in your spine. This type of pain is often exacerbated by certain movements and can be a sign of soft tissue injury.

4. Neck Weakness and Swallowing Difficulty: The weakness in your neck muscles and the sensation of tightness when swallowing could indicate strain or injury to the cervical spine or the surrounding musculature. The fact that you are compensating by shrugging your shoulders suggests that your neck muscles are not fully supporting your head, which can lead to further discomfort.

Recovery Recommendations
1. Rest and Ice: Initially, it’s crucial to rest the affected areas and apply ice to reduce inflammation. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes every hour as needed, especially in the first 48 hours post-injury.

2. Physical Therapy: Since you mentioned that your school’s clinic has a rehabilitation department, it would be beneficial to consult with a physical therapist. They can provide a tailored rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening your neck and back muscles, improving flexibility, and addressing any postural issues.
3. Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching exercises for your neck and back can help restore range of motion. Strengthening exercises will be essential to support your spine and prevent future injuries. Your therapist can guide you on the appropriate exercises.

4. Posture Awareness: Being mindful of your posture, especially when sitting or using your phone, can help alleviate some of the strain on your neck. Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up to support good posture.

5. Gradual Return to Activity: As you begin to feel better, gradually reintroduce activities, including trampoline practice, but ensure you do so under supervision and with proper technique to avoid re-injury.

6. Follow-Up: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek further evaluation. Imaging studies, such as an MRI, may be warranted to rule out any underlying structural issues, especially if you continue to experience pain or neurological symptoms.

Conclusion
In summary, while your symptoms following the trampoline injury are concerning, they are not uncommon. With appropriate rest, rehabilitation, and monitoring, most individuals can expect to recover fully. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and seek professional guidance to ensure a safe and effective recovery process. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

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