Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
06:28
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Back and neck pain in triathletes.
Alan T Villavicencio1, Sigita Burneikiene, Theresa D Hernández
1Boulder Neurosurgical Associates, Boulder, Colorado 80304, USA. atv@bnasurg.com
Neurosurgical Focus
|November 23, 2006
Summary
Triathletes experience high rates of neck and back pain, with previous sports injuries and overuse being key risk factors for spinal problems. This study highlights the impact of these factors on pain incidence in this athletic population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The growing popularity of triathlons has led to an increase in athletes seeking neurosurgical care for spinal conditions.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for spinal pain in triathletes is crucial for injury prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lifetime incidence of neck and back pain in triathletes.
- To assess the prevalence of discogenic pain among triathletes.
- To identify specific risk factors contributing to spinal disorders in this population.
Main Methods:
- An online questionnaire collected data on triathlete demographics, training, injury history, and spinal pain.
- Lifetime incidence of low-back and neck pain was calculated.
- Discogenic pain was defined based on symptom duration and characteristics.
- Statistical analysis identified predictors of spinal pain, including participation history and prior injuries.
Main Results:
- 67.8% of triathletes reported lifetime low-back pain, with 23.7% possibly discogenic.
- 48.3% reported lifetime neck pain, with 21.4% potentially discogenic.
- Previous sports injuries and triathlon participation history predicted low-back pain.
- Prior injuries predicted neck pain, with overuse showing a tendency toward neck pain.
Conclusions:
- Sports-related injuries and overuse are significant risk factors for long-term spinal problems in triathletes.
- Both mechanisms contribute to low-back pain.
- Neck pain is linked to injury events and shows a tendency with overuse injuries.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:26Muscles of the Anterior Neck
The anterior neck muscles are the group of muscles covering the front part of the neck. These muscles are classified into three subgroups. The first one is the superficial muscles, the most visible muscles in the front of the neck. It includes the platysma and sternocleidomastoid. The second group is the suprahyoid muscles, located above the hyoid bone. This group comprises the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid. Lastly, the infrahyoid muscles are found below the hyoid bone and...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:29Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Angina manifests as chest pain, tightness, or squeezing discomfort typically located behind the breastbone. It can radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, and inner aspects of the upper arms, most commonly the left arm. Patients may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, profuse sweating, dizziness, indigestion, heartburn, palpitations, anxiety, and vomiting as accompanying symptoms. This pain often lasts a few minutes and is triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, heavy meals, or cold...
01:24Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective response...
01:27Muscles of the Vertebral Column
The back muscles that lie deep into the thoracolumbar fascia are called intrinsic or true back muscles. These muscles are divided into four layers: superficial, intermediate, deep, and deepest layers.
Superficial Layer:
The superficial layer consists primarily of the splenius muscles, which include the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis. These muscles are mainly responsible for the head and cervical spine movements, including extension, rotation, and lateral bending. The splenius capitis...
Superficial Layer:
The superficial layer consists primarily of the splenius muscles, which include the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis. These muscles are mainly responsible for the head and cervical spine movements, including extension, rotation, and lateral bending. The splenius capitis...