Axial Low Back Pain in Elite Athletes
Andrew Z Mo1, Joseph P Gjolaj1
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 Northwest 14th Street, 12th Floor, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|May 30, 2021
Summary
Back pain in athletes often stems from mechanical issues like disk herniation or spondylolysis, common in sports with high loading. Early diagnosis and conservative treatment are usually effective, though surgery may be needed in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Back pain is a frequent complaint among athletes across various sports.
- Mechanical causes are the most prevalent sources of back pain in athletic populations.
- Sports involving significant mechanical and axial loading, like weightlifting and football, increase risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common causes of back pain in athletes.
- To discuss the role of mechanical loading in sports-related back pain.
- To outline typical treatment pathways for athletic back pain.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of common back pain etiologies in sports.
- Analysis of biomechanical factors contributing to back pain.
- Summary of clinical presentation and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Mechanical causes, including disk herniation and spondylolysis, are primary pain generators.
- Athletes in high-impact sports experience increased spinal loading.
- Most cases respond well to conservative management, such as physical therapy and rest.
Conclusions:
- Early identification and conservative treatment are key for managing athletic back pain.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary for persistent or severe cases to ensure spinal stability.
- Understanding sport-specific biomechanics aids in preventing and treating back pain in athletes.
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