Biomechanical Considerations for Clinical Application in Athletes with Low Back Pain

Black disc disease: a commentary

Internal disc disruption associated with axial back pain but not radicular pain is a disease entity that was recognized about two decades ago as a disorder that could potentially be treated by spinal fusion. In this article the authors describe the clinical syndrome, magnetic resonance imaging and discography findings of pathophysiological pain generation, and the available surgical options. Based on the current understanding of this disease entity, the optimum surgical procedure entails radical discectomy, anterior column support, adequate amounts of auto- or allograft bone, bone extenders and enhancers, and rigid stabilization of the motion segment.

Epidemiology of back pain in the athlete

Back pain and injuries are common complaints of athletes. The nature of the sport involved with the specific stresses that it places on the athlete's spine may play a role in the injuries incurred. These injuries may limit an athlete's function and hinder performance; however, the majority of these insults are self-limiting and respond well to conservative measures. Based on the epidemiologic data, it appears that possibly the single most important step in reducing the back pain experienced by athletes would involve the performance of a structured back-strengthening program. Such a plan might reduce the most common diagnostic entities encountered by the athlete with back pain.

Low-Back Pain in Sports

In brief The younger the active patient who has prolonged, localized back pain near the midline, the more likely he or she has spondylolysis or other pars injury. A careful examination with appropriate x-rays is critical because of the high incidence of structural vertebral problems associated with children's low-back pain. Early diagnosis helps the patient to return to sports quickly; conservative therapy of relative rest and stretching is often successful.