Assessment of athletic back pain

Course overview

This practical will explore how an accurate LBP diagnosis is imperative for optimal initial triage and for understanding return to sport timelines. The patho-anatomical triage of LBP will be complemented by an exploration of the bio-psycho-social influences of an athlete LBP presentation. Athlete's LBP presentations are influenced by stress, anxiety, fear of movement and stressors such as imminent competition. This practical will explain how our responses to the athlete's presentation, the reassurance and education we provide, and the language that we use can help address some of the modifiable risk factors that lead to prolonged recovery.