•  
  •  
 

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/jsmahs.05.02.01

Abstract

CLINICAL SCENARIO: Nonspecific low back pain is a condition which impacts athletes of all calibers and sports. It has been found that a total of 68% of top athletes from multiple sports have been affected by nonspecific low back pain at some point in their career. Clinicians have discussed that tight hamstrings and weak core muscles are a major cause of nonspecific low back pain. A myriad of program exist to reduce nonspecific low back pain caused from hamstring tightness, however a standardized rehabilitation protocol for strengthening the core muscles to reduce nonspecific low back pain is not as well established. Many different treatment options have been utilized, such as medications, biopsychosocial interventions, physical and electrical modalities, manual therapies, and exercise therapies. Included in these exercise therapies are stretching and mobility exercises, cardiovascular endurance, and strengthening exercises, specifically core stability exercises.FOCUSED CLINICAL QUESTION: Is there evidence to suggest which type of core strengthening rehabilitation would best reduce pain and increase function in athletes? CLINICAL BOTTOM LINE: To best reduce pain and increase overall function caused by nonspecific low back pain, a combination of motor control exercises, general exercises, graded activities, sling exercises, segmental stabilization, and spinal manipulative therapy should be utilized. Strength of Recommendation: According to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine (CEBM) Levels of Evidence. There is moderate evidence, level 2b and higher, suggesting that an exercise program should be created that is tailored to the individual athlete’s flaws. KEY WORDS: Low back, pain, motor control, stabilization, manipulative therapy

Share

COinS