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The muscles of the trunk are responsible for stabilization and trunk rotation. Stabilization is key to reducing potential trunk and back injury.
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Also called the torso, the trunk is composed of the rectus abdominis, external obliques, internal obliques, transverse abdominus, quadratus lumborum, and the spinal erectors.
The torso musculature works in four basic ways. The torso flexes and extends the spine and laterally flexes the spine.
The torso transfers force, produces power, links the lower body to the upper, and stabilizes. In all, the torso is the center of all body movement.
When the body’s center is made stronger, all movement is more efficient.
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Training the trunk is concentrated in the sagittal plane only. Often the most neglected area in many workout programs is rotational training.The trunk can be trained besides the typical crunch routine. Basic exercises like Olympic lifts and their variations, squats, and deadlifts are commendable in this premise. Lifts like these involve the trunk muscles more than sit-ups ever could.
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Else, the human body is anyhow susceptible to trunk injuries.
For one, the lumbar spine bears the brunt of significant forces that may contribute to trunk and back injury.
Lower Back Stress Fracture
Medically known as spondylolysis, a stress fracture is the most common trunk and back injury.
This trunk and back injury may be recognized as either a bone stress reaction or a stress fracture of the lower back.
Spondylolysis is noted the most in adolescents and is quite rare beyond this age group.
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This condition is characterized by an ache in the lower back that is aggravated by sporting activities.
Refraining from strenuous activities for about 6 weeks is paramount followed by a program of rehabilitation involving trunk & back injury exercises.
Rib fractures
Along with rib cartilage injuries, rib fractures are common in football players.
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In comparison, a rib cartilage sprain is a less graver form of fracture. Both are nevertheless extremely painful trunk and back injuries.
Lumbar disc injuries
Lumbar disc injuries can transpire at any portion of the spinal column, the most problematic being the areas where a slipped disc is prone to pinching a nerve exiting the spine.
Lumbar disc injuries can cause back pain, which can progress down one or both legs if a nerve is pinched.
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In these cases, surgical procedures may be prescribed.
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Collapsed lungs are rare trunk and back injuries, but such medical condition can occur from direct blows to the chest, especially in cases of rib fracture. Modern techniques of treatment often allow strenuous activity within 2-3 weeks.
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