LOW-BACK-PAIN IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES

In this 3-yr longitudinal study we investigated the occurrence of low- back pain and anatomic changes in the low back in relation to loading and injuries among 98 adolescents: 33 nonathletes (16 boys,17 girls), 34 boy athletes (17 ice hockey, 17 soccer players), and 31 girl athlet es (17 figure skaters, 14 gymnasts). During the 3-yr follow-up, low-ba ck pain lasting longer than 1 wk was reported by 29 (45%; 95% CI, 32%- 57%) athletes and by 6 (18%; 95% CI, 7%-35%) nonathletes (P = 0.0099). Acute back injury was reported by 17 of 19 subjects who also reported low-back pain (89%; 95% CI, 67%-99%) and by 2 of 63 of those without prolonged low-back pain (3%; 95% CI, 0%-11%) (P < 0.0001). Among 43 gi rls participating in baseline and follow-up MRI examinations of the lu mbar spine, new MRI abnormalities were found in 6 of 8 reporting acute back injury (75%; 95% CI, 35%-97%) and in 8 of the remaining 35 girls (23%; 95% CI 10% to 40%) (P = 0.018). In conclusion, excessive loadin g that involves a risk for acute low-back injuries during the growth s purt is harmful to the lower back.