When athletes have lower back pain, it can impact their ability to be active and participate in sports, as well as cause pain during every day tasks.
Pain that radiates from the tailbone area down into the thighs often indicates there might be an injury in the athlete's lower back.
Almost everyone is at risk of having lower back pain at some point in their life, regardless of whether or not you play sports.
If you play a sport, certain motions may put strain on your back muscles and cause pain.
Other factors that can cause lower back pain include:
Any type of pain can lessen your enjoyment daily activities.
If you play a sport, lower back pain can limit your playing time.
Athletes can cause strain on other parts of their body if the change the way they walk, lift, swing, or throw to reduce back pain.
To make an appointment or learn more about lower back pain, contact UPMC Sports Medicine at 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).
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If you're an athlete whose lower back pain is preventing you from participating in your sport, schedule an appointment with an expert at UPMC Sports Medicine by calling 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).
Athletes are at greater risk of sustaining injuries that cause lower back pain.
Lower back pain can come on suddenly. The pain can stay at the same level or become more intense over time.
Lower back pain symptoms include:
Movement often causes you to hurt more, but sometimes you can feel back pain even when you're still.
To help diagnose your lower back pain, an expert at UPMC Sports Medicine will observe the way you walk and move.
He or she will also ask you about the sports you play and other things you do each day that might cause your back pain.
Along with an exam, certain tests can pinpoint the cause of lower back pain.
Some tests look for issues with hard structures, like your spine or bones.
These may include:
Other tests look for problems in soft structures, like the nerves and spinal cord
These tests may include:
To make an appointment or learn more about lower back pain symptoms, contact UPMC Sports Medicine at 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).
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The first step to wellness is working with an expert at UPMC Sports Medicine to find the root cause of your lower back pain.
After your exam and diagnostic tests for lower back pain, your doctor will review the results and develop the best treatment plan for you.
Lower back pain treatments for athletes and nonathletes may include:
If a structural issue — such as osteoporosis — is the cause of your lower back pain, your doctor may address that problem with changes in your diet and exercise.
To make an appointment for lower back pain treatment, contact UPMC Sports Medicine at 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).
The links below will open a new browser window.
UPMC's HealthBeat Blog: |
From our Health Library: |