Incidence and Temporal Changes in Lumbar Degeneration and Low Back Pain in Child and Adolescent Weightlifters: Prospective 5-Year Cohort Study

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate the incidence of lumbar degeneration findings and low back pain (LBP) over a 5-year period in children and adolescent weightlifters using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and medical questionnaires. Furthermore, to reveal the temporal changes in the lumbar vertebrae caused by long-term hard weightlifting training during the growth period.MethodsTwelve children and adolescent weightlifters who participated in weightlifting for >2 years (six boys, six girls, 11.4±2.0 years) were enrolled. Participants underwent annual medical questionnaire surveys including practice frequency, competition history, presence of LBP, and lumbar examinations using MRI during the 5-year follow-up.ResultsLumbar disc degeneration was detected in all participants after 4 years, and lumbar disc herniation findings were detected in 33% of participants after 5 years; one underwent herniotomy during the follow-up period. Lumbar spondylolysis was detected in 58% of patients at 5 years. Although there were three participants who had LBP in the final year, none had LBP that prevented them from returning to weightlifting.ConclusionA 5-year cohort study of 12 children and adolescent weightlifters detected lumbar degeneration in all participants. Long-term hard weightlifting training during the growth period may increase the risk of developing current and future LBP.