Tennis and Back Pain

How tennis causes back pain

• Front- and back-hand shots require a large amount of trunk rotation and twisting in the spine when playing tennis

• The tennis serve hyper-extends the lower back and can compress lumbar discs

• Back muscles must support continual sudden forward and lateral movements and start-and-stop motions during a game of tennis

Preventing back pain and sports injuries from tennis

• Learn about the different racket tensions and be fitted by a professional for the proper tennis equipment; a more flexible tennis racquet requires more trunk rotation than a stiffer tennis racquet with looser strings

• Consider using a slice serve rather than a kick serve to reduce the degree of back arch when playing tennis

• Use proper form during tennis, bending the knees, holding in the abdominal muscles

• Have a tennis professional check your form periodically

• For new players, professional tennis instructors can teach you proper form and make suggestions on how to avoid back injuries, back pain or stress on the back

• Article written By:
• Thomas E. Hyde, DC

July 20, 2000

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