The Rise of a Legend

David Wright, commonly known as one of the best players to ever wear a New York Mets jersey, spent the entirety of his 14-season baseball career on the team. When he debuted in 2004, Wright established himself as one of the best third basemen in the game. Throughout his career, he was able to earn seven All-Star selections, two Gold Glove Awards, and two Silver Slugger Awards. His leadership on and off the field made him the face of the franchise, and he would eventually become captain of the team, earning the nickname “Captain America.”

However, Wright’s career was ended due to debilitating spinal stenosis, which likely developed due to a stress fracture in his lower back that he sustained in 2011. At first it didn’t seem to faze him, and he continued to play at a high level for the remainder of that season, but eventually it would keep getting worse. The condition significantly impacted his ability to play at a high level, as hitting, throwing, and even catching the ball began to cause him intense pain.

Understanding Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine begin to narrow, which puts immense pressure on the nerves traveling through it. This pressure causes patients to develop intense pain, numbness, and weakness, which significantly affects their mobility and quality of life.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is often due to natural degeneration that comes with age, but it may also be triggered by different factors, including:

• Osteoarthritis: Damage to cartilage in the joints may lead to bone spurs that narrow the spinal canal.
• Herniated Discs: The intravertebral discs between vertebrae may rupture, which could lead to excessive pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
• Thickened Ligaments: Ligaments in the spine may thicken over time, which would restrict the space within the spinal canal.
• Spinal Injuries: Trauma from sports injuries, serious accidents, or even surgery mishaps can cause swelling and instability that contribute to stenosis.
• Congenital Factors: Some people are born with a smaller spinal canal, which inevitably makes them more susceptible to spinal stenosis.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

The symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending on the location and severity of the narrowing. Common symptoms include:

• Chronic back pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, feet, and legs
• Muscle weakness that gradually worsens over time
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Pain that worsens with prolonged standing or walking and improves when bending forward

Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis

• Common methods of diagnosing Spinal Stenosis include:
  • X-rays: X-rays help to provide a general understanding of the patient’s bone structure and any signs of narrowing.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers a detailed view of the spine, highlighting nerve compression and soft tissue damage.
  • CT Scan with Myelogram: Combines CT imaging with a contrast dye to provide a clearer picture of spinal cord pressure.
  • Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles to assess nerve function.

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

While there is no definitive cure for spinal stenosis, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Physical Therapy: Strengthening core muscles and improving flexibility to support the spine.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections alleviate inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
• Activity Modification: Adjusting daily activities to minimize strain on the spine.

Surgical Treatments

In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be recommended. Procedures include:

• Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to create space for nerves.
• Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
• Foraminotomy: Widening the openings where nerve roots exit the spinal canal.

For David Wright, these symptoms and the associated overwhelming pain made it nearly impossible to perform at an elite level for the last year of his career.

Baseball and Spinal Stenosis

There are certain intense and repetitive motions that are integral to baseball, and many of them can end up leading to disk degeneration.

• Swinging the bat: Pushing a bat through the air causes the back to rotate forcefully. Decades of hitting pitches over 100 mph can take a significant toll on the body by weakening the spaces between vertebral disks. When a batter is in the proper position to swing, stenosis may cause them to lean forward to alleviate the pain, which will inevitably throw off your swing mechanics.
• Throwing and catching the ball: Increased leaning and force from winding up a pitch or a pass can lead to long term issues with hyperextension, which can be significantly worsened when paired with spinal stenosis.

The Final Inning

In his final game, on September 29, 2018, Mets fans gave Wright a standing ovation as he took to the field one last time. His perseverance, dedication, and contributions to the game cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history.

If you or a loved one are seriously injured while playing a contact sport, seek treatment immediately. To avoid serious injury and prolong your sports career, visit Healthpointe today.

Healthpointe specializes in physical healthcare, and we have an extensive roster of board certified physicians who are well suited to help with pain management. Our team can help assist you with prevention and treatment of a variety of ailments. Fill out this form to set up an appointment.

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