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Review
. 2017 Jul;6(3):225-235.
doi: 10.21037/tp.2017.06.01.

Evaluation and management of lower back pain in young athletes

Dilip R Patel  1 , Elizabeth Kinsella  1
Affiliations
Review

Evaluation and management of lower back pain in young athletes

Dilip R Patel et al. Transl Pediatr. 2017 Jul.

Abstract

Lower back pain in young athletes is a common problem. The prevalence of back pain from different causes in adolescent age group is between 20% and 30%. However, the incidence of low back pain in young athletes varies widely in different sports. Overuse injuries are the most common cause of low back pain in young athletes. In case of overuse injuries, the cause and effect relationship between back pain and specific condition is often difficult to establish. In adolescent athletes, the most common underlying identified cause of low back pain is lumbar spondylolysis. During adolescent growth spurt, the severity of the pain generally correlates with adolescent growth spurt. Participation in sports starting at an early age and for a longer duration tends to increase the risk for back pain. Numerous conditions cause low back pain in athletes. These include acute trauma, chronic overuse or repetitive trauma, and referred pain. Our focus in here will be on selected conditions that cause recurrent or chronic low back pain.

Keywords: Scheuermann disease; Scoliosis; apophyseal ring fracture; disc herniation; sacroiliac joint dysfunction; spondylolysis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Adam test. Have the standing patient bend forward as far as he or she can, with both upper extremities extended and palms held together hanging down. Observe from the front of the patient for a thoracic hump on one side indicating scoliosis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Examination for hamstring flexibility. With the athlete supine on the examination table, flex the hip and knee to 90 degrees. Then extend the knee and measure the popliteal angle. Typically, the knee should be able to extend to 180 degrees.
Figure 3
Figure 3
One-legged hyperextension test. With the athlete standing on one leg, have her extend the back. Repeat the same for each leg. In cases of pars interarticularis defect, pain is elicited on hyperextension of the back.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Gaenslen test. With athlete supine on the examination table, ask her to fully flex both at knees and hips. Then have her move to the edge of the table and slowly extend the hip and lower leg over the edge of the table. Repeat on the opposite side. Pain in sacroiliac joint will be elicited with SI pathology.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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