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Contents
  • Core Strengthening Basics
  • Activities to Avoid
  • Gradual Return to Sport

Safe Exercise for Athletes with Back Pain: What You Need to Know

Safe Exercise for Athletes with Back Pain: What You Need to Know

The Big Picture

Engaging in the right exercises can help young athletes with back pain return to sports safely. Here's how to tailor an exercise plan to support recovery and prevent further injury.
Contents
  • Core Strengthening Basics
  • Activities to Avoid
  • Gradual Return to Sport

Core Strengthening Basics

Strengthening core muscles is crucial for stabilizing the spine and preventing back injuries. Exercises like planks and bridges help build abdominal and back strength without straining the spine. These exercises should be performed daily, gradually increasing intensity as strength improves.

Activities to Avoid

Certain activities can exacerbate back pain and should be avoided initially. These include movements involving lumbar extension, such as deadlifts and back flips. Instead, focus on low-impact aerobic activities, like walking or biking, which maintain cardiovascular fitness without stressing the spine.
A tailored exercise plan focusing on core strengthening and low-impact aerobic activities to support young athletes in recovering from back pain.

Gradual Return to Sport

A stepwise return to sport is essential. Start with pain-free exercises and gradually introduce sport-specific drills. Avoid full contact and high-impact activities until the athlete is symptom-free and has regained full strength.

FAQs

What exercises help with back pain?

Core strengthening exercises like planks and bridges.

What activities should be avoided?

Avoid lumbar extension activities like deadlifts initially.

Can athletes return to sports quickly?

A gradual return is recommended to prevent re-injury.

Wrapping Up

Creating a safe exercise plan can help athletes recover and return to sports stronger.
Discuss with Doctronic to create a personalized exercise plan for back pain recovery.
Additional References
  1. Selhorst M, Fischer A, Graft K, et al. Long-Term Clinical Outcomes and Factors That Predict Poor Prognosis in Athletes After a Diagnosis of Acute Spondylolysis: A Retrospective Review With Telephone Follow-up. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016; 46:1029.
  2. El Rassi G, Takemitsu M, Woratanarat P, Shah SA. Lumbar spondylolysis in pediatric and adolescent soccer players. Am J Sports Med 2005; 33:1688.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.