Lauri Markkanen Sits Out Against Spurs Due to Back Spasms
Jazz Forward Dealing with Recurring Injury
Markkanen Missed a Game Earlier This Season with Back Issue
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen sat out Sunday's game against the San Antonio Spurs due to back spasms, the team announced.
Markkanen has been dealing with back issues throughout the season. He missed a game earlier this season with the same injury.
The Jazz are currently 22-24 and in seventh place in the Western Conference. They are one game behind the Dallas Mavericks for sixth place and two games ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder for eighth place.
Markkanen is averaging 24.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season. He is shooting 48.2% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range.
The Jazz are hoping that Markkanen will be able to return to action soon. They are in a tight race for a playoff spot and they need him to be healthy and productive in order to make a run.
What is a Back Spasm?
A back spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscles in the back. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, injury, or poor posture.
Back spasms can range in severity from mild to severe. Mild back spasms may only cause minor discomfort, while severe back spasms can be debilitating.
Symptoms of a Back Spasm
The symptoms of a back spasm can vary depending on the severity of the spasm. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the back
- Muscle stiffness and tightness
- Difficulty moving or bending
- Numbness or tingling in the back or legs
Treatment for a Back Spasm
The treatment for a back spasm will depend on the severity of the spasm. Mild back spasms can usually be treated at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication.
More severe back spasms may require medical treatment, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.
Prevention of Back Spasms
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent back spasms, including:
- Maintaining good posture
- Strengthening your back muscles
- Stretching your back muscles regularly
- Avoiding activities that put strain on your back
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if your back spasm is severe or if it does not improve with home treatment. You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling in your back or legs
- Weakness in your back or legs
- Difficulty controlling your bowel or bladder
- Fever
