Pole Vault Injury

[greyhoundvaulter15]

hey...i dont know why but i always seem to vault better about 6" under and when i do get my steps perfect, i dont jump as well. does anyone else have this problem?...i always seem to have a sore back

[lonestar]

Comfort zone. You're used to having contact with the box before you leave the ground. When your step is on and you don't feel that impact right away, you probably back off a little bit, and sink down after takeoff. You have to jump aggressively up into the pole no matter where your step is. You'll have a lot less back pain in you're on, and a better swing.

[rainbowgirl28]

Pole vaulting is not a sport in and of itself. It's an event in track and field. Any study I have ever seen was using ridiculously low numbers for participation levels.

If you make up a number for participation, which is half of what it really is, then your rate of injury is going to be twice as high than it really is.

[MightyMouse]

[/quote]based on anecdotal information, i would say that back injuries seem to be the most common injury among pole vaulters. it makes me wonder what you can do to prevent back injuries- anyone?

I dont know I seem to see an awful lot of rippidge shoulder injuries

[GirlPoleVaulter87]

I have a friend who vaulted for I guess 3 or 4 years. He ALWAYS took off under. Thats how he was used to jumping. He took massive amounts of excedrin to ease the pain in his lower back.

He had to have massive back surgery. Something w/ discs. Metal rods were put in his spine to stabalize it.

He can never vault again

[lonestar]

I have a friend who vaulted for I guess 3 or 4 years. He ALWAYS took off under. Thats how he was used to jumping. He took massive amounts of excedrin to ease the pain in his lower back.

He had to have massive back surgery. Something w/ discs. Metal rods were put in his spine to stabalize it.

He can never vault again

That's so unnecessary. If you're going to pole vault: 1) Do a ton of core strength (abs, back) to help prevent injury 2) Learn how to take off on from drills, then short runs, then long runs 3) Get yourself a good chiropractor and see him/her regularly 4) Learn to live with pain, save the painkillers for when you absolutely need them as a last resort, or you'll just gain a tolerance and screw up your stomach 5) Live in the cold whirlpool/ice bath after practice 6) Get deep tissue massages whenever possible

[rainbowgirl28]

4) Learn to live with pain, save the painkillers for when you absolutely need them as a last resort, or you'll just gain a tolerance and screw up your stomach

This, unfortunately, is quite true. For me anyway.

Sure you can take 5 ibuprofen at a time right now and feel fine... trust me it will catch up with you someday

[SlickVT]

I am just getting over a year of being out because (to make a long story and injury name short) my second lowest vertebrae (L4) was broken in half.
It was from multiple stress fractures, so to keep it from happening again, I do a damn hard core strength program with swiss balls three times per week.
It has had its advantages:
1. My strength in the middle of my body is exponentially more than it used to be - I can do hanging Bubkas all day long. I could only dream of doing that before the injury.
2. The core strength pulls my hips up into a stronger position. AKA: my hips used to be pointed towards the ground, now they are positioned properly- running is easier and I am getting faster.
3. I have much better body control with stronger a stronger core.
4. This one isnt really because of the core strength, but I have pulled my takeoff out a foot from what it used to be. Much nicer on the ol backside and the throw from the bigger poles is a plus as well.

PS If anyone wants a copy of the swiss ball core workout, hit me up. You wont regret gettin into it.

[SlickVT]

Edit: If you would like the workout, PM me and I will send you a link.