Tennis and back pain
How tennis causes back pain
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Front- and back-hand shots require a large amount of trunk rotation and twisting in the spine when playing tennis
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The tennis serve hyper-extends the lower back and can compress lumbar discs
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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
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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
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Consider using a slice serve rather than a kick serve to reduce the degree of back arch when playing tennis
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Use proper form during tennis, bending the knees, holding in the abdominal muscles
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Have a tennis professional check your form periodically
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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
