title: Back injuries in gymnastics.
abstract: The complaint of low back pain in the adolescent must never be taken lightly. A high index of suspicion should be particularly entertained in a child participating in gymnastic training or competition. As noted in this article, steps can now be taken, particularly if a specific diagnosis is made early, to institute specific treatment with a high likelihood of success. Young gymnasts complaining of back pain must never be passed off as having sustained a back strain or "muscle spasms" and treated symptomatically. Persistent back pain beyond two weeks warrants, in our opinion, a complete evaluation, careful history and physical examination, a four-view radiographic assessment of the spine, and, if necessary, bone scans or other more advanced techniques to make a specific diagnosis of the cause of the pain.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Micheli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D019567:Back Injuries; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006173:Gymnastics; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008141:Lordosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D013169:Spondylolysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy