[Approach to the athlete with low back pain]
Charlotte Pripp1, Philippe M Tscholl1,2,3, Maximilian Schindler1,2,3
1Service de chirurgie orthopédique et de traumatologie de l'appareil locomoteur, Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, 1211 Genève 14.
Revue Medicale Suisse
|July 20, 2022
Summary
Low back pain in athletes stems from sport-specific repetitive motions and high spinal strain. Treatment focuses on functional therapies for a safe return to play, emphasizing activity over sedentary habits.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Physiology
Background:
- Low back pain is prevalent in athletes, impacting performance.
- Repetitive movements and spinal strain are common causes in sports.
- Diagnosis is crucial, as most causes are not severe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the etiology, diagnosis, and management of low back pain in athletes.
- To highlight the importance of functional rehabilitation for athletes.
- To emphasize the need for prompt return to sports.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on athletic low back pain.
- Analysis of sport-specific risk factors.
- Overview of diagnostic red flags.
- Summary of conservative treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Etiology is linked to sport type, repetitive actions, and spinal loading.
- Most cases are not severe, but red flags warrant further investigation.
- Conservative, functional treatment facilitates return to sport.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and conservative management are key for athletes with low back pain.
- Functional therapies promote a swift and safe return to athletic activities.
- Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is crucial for prevention and recovery.
