Causes of lower back stress injuries

Lower back stress injuries in teenage athletes involve an accumulation of stress on a bone in the lower back following repeated repetitive movement, such as fast bowling in cricket, backbends in gymnastics or spiking in volleyball. This repetitive loading over a period of time can lead to a stress response in the bone, which if left unmanaged can progress into a fracture in the bone called a stress fracture. It is usually characterised by pain during these specific repetitive actions and can also involve pain with back extension or impact activities such as jumping and hopping.

Teenagers are especially at risk of this type of injury as their body and their bones are still developing, as such they can be more prone to stress responses from repetitive stresses. 

It is important that a bony stress injury is identified as early as possible, to prevent it from progressing and becoming worse. If your physiotherapist is suspicious of a lower back stress injury, they will refer you for scans for confirmation.

Treatment

The number one treatment for lower back stress injuries is load reduction to manage the symptoms and allow for healing. After a period of time determined by your physiotherapist, a gradual return to activity will be advised and an exercise program will be put in place to ensure a safe return. This exercise program would include strengthening that can either be completed in our gym space or as a home exercise program. Additionally, your physiotherapist will plan and closely monitor a gradual return to your chosen sporting activity, which may include a return to run program utilizing our anti-gravity treadmill.  

Following this, your physiotherapist will put a plan in place to ensure that load remains at a safe level to help reduce the risk of re-injury in the future. 

If you or your child are suffering from a lower back injury or pain, our physio and chiro coaches are ready and willing to assist, with appointments available online or by calling the clinic on 3399 3318. 

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