Back Spasm NBA Style

Photo: Jonathan Ferrey Getty Images

An expectant crowd watches as you fend off your adversary by jumping high and fast enough to miss him and smash the ball into the hoop instead. All eyes are on you and all of your teammates are expecting you to score. Now imagine doing this with your back in spasm.

This was Kobe Bryant's experience on Sunday in the Lakers vs Utah Jazz playoff Western Conference semifinal Game 4. It was not a home game for Bryant, or the Lakers. Although Bryant kept playing after his injury occured in the beginning of the game, monitoring his back spasm as he went, the Lakers lost 115 to 123. Kobe scored 33 points and 10 assists.

And although Sunday’s episode of back strain had him on his knees and wincing, neither he nor his colleges think it is anything to worry about in the long term. Bryant plans to play in tonight's Game 5, saying Monday “I can't imagine it'll be any worse than it was last night. It was pretty bad”.

Bryant is now on a round the clock treatment plan consisting of ice for inflammation, electric stimulation, massage and stretching.

Kobe Bryant is a three-time NBA champion, and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player for 2007-08.

And For We Mortals With Back Spasm

• Back Strain
• At Home Therapy for Mild Back Pain
• Over the Counter Pain Meds for Back Pain
• Stretching