Degenerative Lumbar Disc Disease in the Mature Athlete Follow-up

  • Author: Gerard A Malanga, MD; Chief Editor: Sherwin SW Ho, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 7, 2010
 

Return to Play

Criteria for return to play require the mature athlete to have an absence of signs or symptoms of the original injury (especially if there were radicular symptoms), full ROM, strength and flexibility to within normal limits, and good sport-specific mechanics. Mature athletes must be aware of their own limitations; this awareness is particularly important for the individual gradually returning to a competitive level of activity after injury.

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Prevention

Patient education is an important factor in the prevention of low back injury in the mature athlete. Minimizing forces on the spine through proper mechanics in specific sporting activities is important. Additionally, strengthening the dynamic stabilizers of the spine to counteract the significant forces exerted on the spine during certain athletic activities also is important.

Maintaining proper flexibility also is believed to play a significant role in the prevention of back injury in athletes of all ages. Additionally, improvement in aerobic fitness can increase blood flow and oxygenation to all tissues, including the muscles, bones, and ligaments of the spine, and it would be a reasonable addition to any rehabilitation and prevention program. Seasonal athletes should be encouraged to cross-train year round or at least undergo preconditioning before participating in their particular sport.

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Education

For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Back, Ribs, Neck, and Head Center; Breaks, Fractures, and Dislocations Center; and Sports Injury Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Back Pain and Vertebral Compression Fracture.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Gerard A Malanga, MD  Director of Pain Management, Overlook Hospital; Director of PM&R Sports Medicine Fellowship, Atlantic Health; Clinical Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Clinical Chief, Rehabilitation Medicine and Electrodiagnosis, St Michael's Medical Center; Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine

Gerard A Malanga, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Sports Medicine, North American Spine Society, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Cephalon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Endo Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Forest Labs Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Coauthor(s)

Michal E Eisenberg, MD  Staff Physician, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Joseph P Garry, MD, FACSM, FAAFP  Adjunct Associate Professor, Sports Medicine Faculty, Department of Family Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School

Joseph P Garry, MD, FACSM, FAAFP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and North American Primary Care Research Group

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Jon B Whitehurst, MD  Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital

Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Sherwin SW Ho, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago

Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Degenerative lumbar disc disease in the mature athlete. Degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, includingdecreased signal intensity and disc bulging at the L-3/4, L-4/5 and L-5/S-1 discs.
Degenerative lumbar disc disease in the mature athlete. The process of disc degeneration following internal discdisruption and herniation.
Degenerative lumbar disc disease in the mature athlete. The various forces placed upon the discs of the lumbarspine that can result in degenerative changes.
 
 
 
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