straight from the man himself, interview clip from the CLE game (may take about a minute to load): http://media.putfile.com/t-mac-back-trouble sounds like a disc problem
From the looks of it, there isn't structural damage but this injury is very common in both the NBA and NFL. It's only real characteristic is a direct relationship with the amount of time missed from the remainder of the season as a function of the number of games behind in the standings. The only real treatment is a high lottery pick and historically most players are ready on opening day. See: David Robinson.
Yes, I believe the injury in medical terminology is called Tankonpurpose, quite common in professional sports. DD
Acupuncture might diminish the pain, but it will not solve the problem of a compressed disc. Back pain iin general, can be caused by a diverse situation. It could be from the paraspinal muscle strain due to excessive work/exercise, hence back spasm. However, compressed disc is a totally different situation. Spinal discs hold up the spinal cord (where the nerve bundles coming from brain sits), once a disc in any segment of the spinal is compressed (usually in the lumber area or the lower back area of an athlete), it can cause pain due to the compression of the nerve coming from the spinal cord. Depending on the area of the disc damage, the injury can lead to motor or even sensory deficit. Compressed disc can occured in an athlete(usually lumbar area), in motor vehicular accident (usually cervical/neck area) , elderlies (due to osteoporosis) or people with TB. When severe, it will require surgery, replacement of disc is usually mandatory. If Tmac will have to go through a surgery....i think his career is considered half over.
we need to get him some roids so he can go barry bonds on the nba. sucks to see a guy so talented be so limited by injury.
I know Tmac has a disc issue. Disc injuries can compress the nerve in the region, which will in turn cause a muscle spasm. I would bet this is the cause of his problems. He could also have trigger points in the area that are easily irritated.
