Incidence rates and characteristics of abnormal lumbar findings and low back pain in child and adolescent weightlifter: A prospective three-year cohort study

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this three-year cohort study was to assess the incidence rates and characteristics of abnormal lumbar findings and low back pain (LBP) in child and adolescent weightlifting athletes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and medical questionnaires. This study evaluated subclinical sports injuries, which in turn may help prevent competition-specific injuries and improve performance levels.Materials and methodsBetween 2014 and 2016, twelve participants who had been competing in weightlifting events for at least 2 years were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the participants at the start of this study was 11.4 ± 2.0 years, and there were 6 boys and 6 girls. Annual medical questionnaire surveys and lumbar examinations using MRI were performed during the 3-year follow-up. The incidence rates and variations of LBP and abnormal MRI findings were evaluated.ResultsAt the start of this study, there were no positive findings of LBP, and abnormal lumbar findings on MRI were observed in only 2 participants. At the 2-year follow-up, 1 participant had LBP, and 8 of 12 participants had abnormal lumbar findings. In the final year, only 3 participants had LBP; however, abnormal lumbar findings were observed on MRI in 11 participants. Among these, lumbar spondylolysis was observed in 4 participants, lumbar disc protrusion or extrusion in 2 participants, and lumbar disc degeneration in 9 participants.ConclusionThis prospective 3-year cohort study of 12 child and adolescent weightlifters revealed abnormal lumbar findings in 11 participants at a high rate on MRI examination. Children and adolescents undergoing resistance training at the competition level could potentially have irreversible changes in the lumbar vertebra without symptoms.

Aberrant spinal mechanical loading stress triggers intervertebral disc degeneration by inducing pyroptosis and nerve ingrowth

“…Multiple clinical investigations have showed that congenital malformations of spine (including scoliosis, kyphosis, spina bifida, spondylolysis and Klippel Feil syndrome) 35,36 , accidental back injury or ligament injury [37][38][39] , occupational exposure (such as crane and car drivers, weightlifters, etc.) [40][41][42] could induce aberrant mechanical loading of lumbar spine, and finally lead to IVDD. Moreover, decompensated changes in lumbar spine structure result from abnormal mechanical environment, such as proliferation of facet joints 43 , formation of osteophytes 44 , hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum 45 or calcification of longitudinal ligament 46,47 , will fail to resist aberrant mechanical loading and eventually accelerate the process of IVDD in patients.…”

Ultrasonographic features associated with the lumbosacral or lumbar 5–6 symphyses in 64 horses with lumbosacral‐sacroiliac joint region pain (2012–2018)

“…There is a similar situation in human medicine. Disc degeneration and protrusion may be asymptomatic in young athletes, however, may be progressive and ultimately result in pain (Shimozaki et al ). We suggest that advanced degenerative changes and disc protrusion have the potential to contribute to pain, especially when horses are under high athletic demands.…”

High Rates of Overuse-Related Structural Abnormalities in the Lumbar Spine of Youth Competitive Alpine Skiers: A Cross-sectional MRI Study in 108 Athletes

“…15,22,37 Previous studies have highlighted the presence of higher rates of radiographic- and MRI-detected spinal abnormalities in 16- to 20-year-old alpine and mogul skiers than in age-matched controls, 38,39,42 with a documented greater risk of developing back pain later during the career. 20,21,28 However, little is known on the overuse-related structural abnormalities in the spine and multifidus muscles of youth athletes (<16 years old) 24,32 and youth competitive alpine skiers in particular. 29 Such information is essential for the development of effective prevention strategies.…”