Low back pain in athletes: common problems and conservative treatment

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for the missing days from sports. Generally low back pain prevalence is reported to be 1-30% among athletes; this broad range depends on type of sports, gender, training frequency and technique. In sports like gymnastics, wrestling, tennis and soccer the prevalence is reported to be much higher. Lumbar strain and sprain, disc herniation, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, lumbar facet syndrome and sacral stress fracture are among the most common reasons for low back pain in athletes. Most of the patients resolve with conservative treatment and returning to sports is possible in short time duration. No pain, full range of motion, full strength and endurance, achieving normal function are the required factors for returning to sports.