Can the thoracolumbar fascia cause or contribute to lower back pain and inflammation? Thoracolumbar Fascia Tissue behind the spinal column, positioned at both the lower back and mid-back levels, is connected to the thoracolumbar fascia, also called the lumbodorsal fascia or LF. The fascia is a thick connective tissue that covers and supports all the body's muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and organs. The fascia also contains nociceptive nerve endings, also known as free nerve endings, that arise from the central nervous system, i.e., the brain and spinal cord, which may be responsible for some forms of back pain and stiffness caused by injury or inflammation. Anatomy The thoracolumbar fascia is divided into three layers: Back or posterior layer. Middle layer Front or anterior layer. ( Willard, F. H. et al., 2012 ) Many of the back muscles attach to the thoracolumbar fascia. The erector spinae muscle group, known as the paraspinals, runs longitudinally down the spine. They are
For wrestling athletes or those thinking about getting into the sport, can knowing about common injuries help in rehabilitation and prevention? Wrestling Injuries Wrestling is an intense and demanding sport. Studies have found that football and wrestling are the two high school sports with the highest risk of serious injury to athletes ( Center for Injury Research and Policy, 2009 ). The injury rate for college wrestlers is 9 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures. ( Kroshus, E. et al., 2018 ) While most wrestling injuries include strains and sprains, there can also be serious traumatic and unusual injuries. Using proper safety gear and learning correct techniques can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. The majority occur during competition. Common The most common wrestling injuries are similar to those in other sports and include: Muscle Soreness Muscle soreness that is experienced 12 to 48 hours after an intense workout or competition. Resting is often all that is needed to re