Don’t let athletic low back pain slow you down

July 11, 2025

What is Athletic Low Back Pain?

Athletic low back pain refers to discomfort or pain in the lower back experienced by athletes or people engaging in lots of manual activities like gardening, working as a tradesperson and/or going on a walking holiday. As noted, this condition can arise from various activities and sports, often due to the high physical demands placed on the body which the body is unaccustomed to. It can affect athletes of all levels, from amateurs to professionals!Athletic low back pain can be categorized into two main types:

1. Acute Low Back Pain: This type of pain comes on suddenly and is often the result of a specific injury, such as a muscle strain or ligament sprain. Acute low back pain is usually short-term and can be quite severe, but it typically resolves with appropriate Physiotherapy or Myotherapy assessment + treatment and potentially relative rest.
2. Persistent Low Back Pain: This type of pain persists for more than three months and can be caused by long-term issues such as repetitive strain, or there maybe some irritable structural changes in the spine. Persistent low back pain can be more challenging to treat and may require a comprehensive rehabilitation approach worked out with your trusty OHL Physiotherapist.

Mechanism of Injury

The mechanism of injury for athletic low back pain typically involves repetitive stress and overuse. Common causes include:

• Unaccustomed lifting techniques
• Sudden movements or twists, especially under fatigue
• Overtraining without adequate recovery
• Poorer capacity of muscles surrounding the region, especially under fatigue
• Imbalances in muscle strength and flexibility around the region

Common Symptoms

Athletes with low back pain may experience:

• Dull or sharp pain in the lower back
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Pain that radiates to the buttocks or legs
• Muscle spasms
• Difficulty performing athletic activities

Your OHL Physio will ask you about all these symptoms and perform a thorough objective assessment, and this helps them differentiate between different structures, pathologies, injury and conditions which can occur around the lower back region. These conditions may include clearing a Pars Defect, Spondylolisthesis, Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica), facet joint osteoarthritis and lumbar disc pathologies.  

Rehabilitation: From Acute to End Stage

Rehabilitation for athletic low back pain involves a structured approach that progresses through different stages:

Acute Stage

• Rest and Pain Management: Initial focus on reducing pain and inflammation through rest, ice, and, if appropriate, anti-inflammatory medications. Physiotherapy may include different manual therapy techniques like massage, mobilisations and/or modalities such as dry needling to desensitise the tissue.
• Gentle Mobility Exercises: Appropriate stretching and strength exercises will be important to include to maintain flexibility without aggravating the injury.

Mid Stage

• Strengthening Exercises: Progression of lumbopelvic or ‘core’ strengthening exercises to support the spine, as well as a deeper look into your initial stretch + strength plan. Activities like planks, bridges, and pelvic tilts are beneficial, but every exercise prescribed by an OHL Physio is tailored to your current state and only progressed when your body is ready to be challenged.
• Aerobic Conditioning: Low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking or swimming or cycling to maintain cardiovascular fitness is very important. There is a direct link between ‘missing out on aerobic exercise’ and delayed return to full function after an episode of lower back pain.

End Stage

• Strength Block: Advanced strength training targeting the lower back, core, and surrounding muscles is introduced once your Physio is deemed your body is ready to be challenged in these bigger movements with bigger loads. Deadlifts, squats, and lunges can be incorporated with proper form, and they are great exercises to keep in your programming as an injury prevention activity.
• Plyometrics: Gradual introduction of plyometric exercises like box jumps, fast rotations, catching/ kicking a ball, as well as agility drills, to enhance power and explosiveness is also key in this end stage.
• Return to Sport: Lastly, sport-specific drills and gradual return to full activity are worked out alongside your coach and physio to ensure the athlete can perform without pain or limitations.
  
  

Summary

Athletic low back pain requires a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that addresses pain management, strength building, and functional training. By following a structured approach, athletes can recover effectively and return to their sport with reduced risk of re-injury. If you experience persistent low back pain, consult your trusty OHL physiotherapist to develop a personalized rehabilitation program tailored to your needs. Call us today on 9431 5955 or you can book online anytime via our website.

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