The characteristics and pitfalls of sports-related low back pain in swimming: Lumbar disorders in swimmers

Abstract

Olympic aquatic events include swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, and open-water swimming. All five disciplines are performed in a non-weight-bearing space (water or air). Typical lumbar disorders among swimmers include lumbar disc herniation, lumbar disc degeneration, lumbar spondylolysis, Baastrup disease, and idiopathic scoliosis. This article introduces the characteristics and treatment of swimming-related low back pain. Because all swimmers must control their posture in a non-weight-bearing space, sufficient trunk motor control is crucial. The lumbar spine is structurally unstable, whereas the adjacent thorax is structurally stable. Therefore, sufficient muscle strength in the lumbar region is required to control the trunk. However, the thorax must remain flexible to avoid excessive loading on the lumbar spine. Strengthening the trunk muscles is useful for preventing and treating lumbar disorders. Moreover, regular medical checkups that aim to detect disorders at the early stage are important for preventing lumbar disorders.