Lower back pain in the athlete: common conditions and treatment

Abstract

Athletes younger than 12 years of age commonly have pathology related to the lower back pain. Spondylolysis is the most common condition in these athletes. Other conditions, including lumbar Scheuermann's disease,scoliosis, disc herniation, fractures, and muscular stains, can occur. Most of the mature general population experiences low back at some time in life. Athletes may be at increased risk, but outcomes are good. The majority of low back pain in mature athletes is mechanical in nature. Herniated discs,spinal stenosis, sacoilitis, and sacral stress fractures can also cause low back pain in these athletes. Low back conditions mentioned above may be treated with rest, specific exercise programs, and medication. Surgery is indicated for severe spinal stenosis, pain with evidence of neurological compromise,and some painful deformities. Newer treatments for back pain are emerging,but few controlled clinical trials are available.