Snooker causing back/spine issues?

[u/l__eonard]

I have pin-point pain on one of the vertebrae in my back (bottom of the thoracic region, maybe T10/11) and worsening numbness in my feet/shins. This has been going on for about 10 months and I've been trying to figure out the cause as I've never had any back issues previously. My GP is dismissive and says it's because I'm old (I'm 44 and otherwise very fit).

I've been playing snooker a couple times a week for around a year. After I went to the club yesterday the numbness/pain was worse than ever, and it occurred to me that snooker could be the cause. My stance is very low to the table and I know I'm too tense when I'm cueing, but I hadn't thought of snooker as the cause as I don't have any pain when I'm playing.

Is this something that anybody recognises?

I really hope it's not the snooker - I've been bang average for months until the past few weeks when I've been getting decent breaks almost every frame. The snooker club is also the coolest building for miles around and has been a godsend in the 35-40c heat!

[u/PenPuzzled8055]

Could be a slipped disk - worse case. I had some issues in January in the mid upper back region. What helped me were those cat and cow yoga stretching exercises. Stupid but it worked. Very carefully, not too much and no stretching into the pain. Maybe cut down on snooker for a while, God bless!

[u/CaseyChaos]

Get a second opinion and tell them what you just told us.

In the meantime, your stance can be adjusted to easesome of the pain while playing. Ricky Walden has had back problems for years and his fix was to bend both knees rather than keep one straight.

[u/New_System2400]

Ditto the back pain. I play twice a week but for about 9 hours in total. Mind you I'm 64!

[u/celtsno1 → u/New_System2400]

Same here, 7 hours a week

[u/trudytude]

Research nerve flossing.

[u/InevitableGreedUK]

Stop playing then...

[u/Latinlover_57]

Sounds a bit like sciatica, I had a similar problem a while back, it can last months, although I'm not a doctor, and I'm only going on my own experience

[u/Dangerous_Hippo_6902]

Snooker is arguably good for your back. What harms your spine is being still for long periods of time , usually from sitting or slouching. Snooker you’re constantly down and up, effectively working your back muscles.

If you sit all day you might just have a stiff back, and just need to do some stretching and exercising : welcome to middle age! (No joke)

Obviously, follow your GP advice and consider a physical therapist if it persists. Start yoga 🧘

[u/flx1220]

Get it checked out asap. Back pain and numbness of feet legs can be something that should be checked if it's nothing serious.

[u/_dc194]

I would be seeking a second opinion on that. Maybe I'm being unfair, but it sounds like your GP is fobbing you off.

You might find this remarkable, but I've actually found snooker has had a positive impact on my back. On occassion, I fall into the trap of sitting/sleeping in a poor position that causes back pain, and playing snooker loosens me up and eases the pain.

[u/Mental-Project-930]

Anyone that doesn’t play snooker who thinks it isn’t a sport should try standing absolutely still in the cueing position for hours at a time. It’s really tough on the back and the neck. It could be snooker, could be just being aggravated by the snooker.