My daughter is 13 years old and has been cheerleading for 3 years. She began doing her back handspring this year and also is a base for stunts. This means that her and three other people lift girls into different positions. About 2 months ago she started complaining that her back was hurting. I was giving her 200 mg of Ibuprofen but that eventurally quit working. Last week, I took her to the Dr. They said it was probably not disc damage and probably the muscles in her back because the pain seems to be on both sides of here spine. They had her move in various positions and she doesn't have the shooting pain down her legs. They told me to give her 600 mg of Ibuprofen and gave here a prescription for muscle relaxers. She has also been using a heating pad. After a week, there hasn't been any change. She complains that it hurts when she moves forward like bending down to touch her toes. They didn't take X-rays. Does anyone have any suggestions?

You can always get a second opinion and ask for an MRI. It is doubtful that the xray would even show anything. Does she stretch good before tumbling and lifting?? I started cheerleading when I was 13 as well, and went until one year in college. I didn't tumble (though I took classes) but I was the MAIN base. If you can imagine, I did that for seven years. I never had any back issues (knees yes) until I was working in healthcare, but I am sure that my cheerleading days didn't help my ddd in anyway. If she wants to continue cheerleading, you better find someone to do the MRI. The last thing you want is for things to progressively get worse, and she could end up like me with two surgeries before 28 years. (first at 24, waiting on my next and I am 27). She needs to take care of her body, if that means not being a primary lifter, then so be it.
Tell her I really wish her well and I hope you guys get something figured out.

iI agree with Mel - seek a second opinion and push hard for a CT scan or an MRI. An Xray will show very little unless she has a fracture - not likely on what your describing (but Im no Dr just someone who has been down the road of disc problems). The leg pain appears consistent with s1 nerv root pain which may be disc related. It deffinitly needs to be addressed if your daughter wishes to continue down the cheerleading path. All the very best and I hope you get the ansewers you are looking for

Losy :wave: :rolleyes:

Many thanks for your responses. She is very determined to continue cheerleading so I think I'll take your advice and seek another opinion and push for the CT Scan or MRI. I have lived with back problems for the last 9 years so I know it is no fun. She complained last night that the pain was moving lower in her back. Now it is closer to her tailbone. Anyway....thanks again for the responses and well wishes!

One more thing...what are your opinions on Chiropractors?

My experience tells me to stear well clear of them. Others will disagree and advocate the benefits. My GP who specilaises in treating long term back injuries has requested that i not see a chiro for a range of reasons. I have every faith in him and have adhered to his requests.

Losy

I say don't even waste your time with a chiro. I don't think they should be doing anything to people with any kind of actual injury to their backs (disc, vertebrea, nerves, whatever). They aren't long term help either, and they can't fix anything. If you want to see someone other than a dr for some relief-see a physical therapist. But, that is just my opinion and I have seen one before(a chiro). I went to her four times and she used an activator (less invasive). I left bawling the fourth time it hurt my low back SOOOOO BAD.

Good luck!