Pickleball and Your Spine

Advice from Dr. Troy Caron, Ozarks Healthcare Orthopedics and Spine

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States - and we’re seeing that growth right here in our community. As a spine surgeon at Ozarks Healthcare Orthopedics and Spine, I love seeing patients stay active. But with any sport, especially one that involves quick pivots, bending, and rotation, there are risks to consider.

Orthopedics focuses on the musculoskeletal system — the complex system of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and the spine that allows your body to move, stabilize, and absorb impact. When one part of this system is strained or injured, it can affect overall mobility, balance, and quality of life. Protecting your spine is an important part of protecting your entire musculoskeletal health.

Recent data published through the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlights a steady rise in pickleball-related orthopedic injuries over the past decade. Of more than 1,500 reported pickleball-related orthopedic injuries, nearly 9% involved the spine — and those numbers increased dramatically from 2013 to 2023 as the sport’s popularity surged.

The lumbar spine - or lower back - was by far the most commonly affected area, accounting for 84% of spine injuries. Many patients experienced lumbar radicular symptoms, meaning pain radiating from the lower back into the legs. We also see cases of acute disc herniation, which can occur with sudden twisting or bending movements.

The majority of these injuries occur in adults over age 60, and women represented a significant portion of reported cases. Another important factor was body mass index (BMI). Patients with a BMI over 25 were more likely to experience lumbar radiculopathy and disc herniation. Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce stress on the spine and may help lower injury risk.

The good news is that most patients (about 98%) were treated successfully with outpatient, non-surgical care such as physical therapy, activity modification, and medication. However, about 10% required surgical intervention - most commonly spinal decompression - to relieve pressure on nerves.

My Advice for Pickleball Players:

• Warm up thoroughly before playing, focusing on gentle stretching and core activation.
• Strengthen your core muscles to better support your spine.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress.
• Listen to your body. Persistent back or leg pain is not something to “play through.”
• Seek evaluation early if you experience radiating pain, numbness, or weakness.

At Ozarks Healthcare Orthopedics and Spine, our goal is to help you stay active safely. Pickleball is a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health, coordination, and social connection - but protecting your spine is key to staying in the game.

If you are experiencing back or neck pain, our team is here to help with comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment options to get you back to doing what you love.