Last week, the world watched as one of the world’s top athletes was rushed to the hospital after a nasty spill. It wasn’t a head or leg injury caused by the ill-landed ski jump, however, it was a broken spine. Maria Komissarova, a Russian athlete, was taken off the ski slopes by medical professionals after she lay motionless on the slopes (though she did sit up for a short amount of time.) While it’s never a good sight for athletes to fall – especially on such a competitive level – Komissarova’s might just be one of the most severe back injuries in Olympic skiing history. A spokesperson for the International Olympics Committee said Komissarova “fractured the 12th dorsal vertebrae in her lower-middle back.”
After the injury, she underwent an almost 7-hour emergency surgery, before being airlifted to Germany to receive specialized treatment. Officials have since declared the operation a “success,” yet giving few details about what’s next in store for the athlete. And though doctors and spokespersons alike are remaining mum about Komissarova’s recovery, it’s likely she’s in for months of painful therapy and treatments. A process that will help her in the long term.
The Long-Term Effects of a Back Injury
One of the biggest factors contributing to long-term back pains are the initial recovery stages. Depending on how one’s back heals in the first few weeks, and whether or not swelling becomes an issue, Komissarova’s – or anyone with a back injury’s – healing process could take very different paths. The future could hold years of skiing and moving with a healthy back, or it could mean ongoing pains and a spine that never quite works the same again. Perhaps that’s why officials are keeping quiet about the process. [ESPN]
Whatever the outcome, however, the IOC has made clear that they’re on the lookout for other athletes’ safety. By looking into new regulations, checking slope conditions, and more, they hope to prevent this or any other serious injury from taking place in the future.
Coming in all shapes and intensities, back pain is an ailment that affects thousands each day. There are those with previous injuries, regular aches, and ongoing treatment regimens to level out the discomfort. Which is why it should come as no surprise that those throughout history have commonly suffered from back aches.
Famous or not, back injuries affect those of all backgrounds and professions.
George Clooney
He may play it calm and collected on screen, but the star suffered an extreme injury when shooting 2005’s Syrinia. During a stunt scene, Clooney fell and tore his dura, which is a protective layer that holds spinal fluid. Though he’s undergone multiple surgeries, the actor still experiences ongoing pains.
Kathleen Turner
A long-term sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis, actress Kathleen Turner says there was one point in her life where it hurt to do anything, including walk. She has since been in remission, after finding a new form of medicine, and continues to provide outreach about the disease.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Best known for his painting style back in the 1800s, artist Renoir also suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. However, because of the time, he received little treatment for his condition. He suffered through much of his life, though he continued to paint on a daily basis.
JFK
It’s common knowledge that the late president suffered from intense back pain throughout his presidency. JFK was also diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, which is known to cause backaches via the digestive system.
Jennifer Grey
After a 20-year old accident left the Dirty Dancing star using ice and pain medication to manage her pain, she took a turn for the worse. In 2010’s season of Dancing with the Stars, she ruptured a lower back disc. The injury required surgery to correct, which worked to greatly reduce her pain. [Heritage, Prevention]
No matter the activity or task, back injuries can take place any place or time. Look to these cases as a source of hope and advancement on how far medical technology has come.
