The back is a funny thing. One minute all is fine and the next minute you are in pain. Mets pitcher Steven Matz can attest to that. One day he was feeling great and then he decided to sleep on someone's couch for the evening and woke up with back pain (or "sleep-related back discomfort" as was reported by Newsday). Really, "sleep-related back discomfort"??!!?!? Here's a health tip for anyone who needs their body to perform their job (basically everybody).....Do Not Sleep on a Couch! And, here's another health tip for someone who can afford to stay in a hotel and sleep in a real bed (I am sure Matz can).....Do Not Spend the Night on A Couch! Starting Friday, the Mets will be playing in the NLDS (National League Division Series). Matz has been out since Tuesday, September 29th due to his "sleep-related back discomfort." Mets fans need him back!
Matz is not alone when it comes to major league baseball back injuries. If you have ever suffered from a back injury you too know that your back can go out basically by just breathing too hard. Here are two other incidences that I found entertaining. In 1986 Wade Boggs, in the heat of the pennant race, pulled his back out by putting on his cowboy boots. He missed six games! In 2004 Sammy Sosa missed a game because of back spasms he suffered after 2 sneezes.
There are many websites on the Internet with examples of exercises to help strengthen your back, but it is very important to do them correctly. You will find demonstrations for some back exercises at ACE Fitness.
