A neuroscience approach to managing athletes with low back pain.
Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint within the athletic population and is commonly managed through a biomedical approach. The injured or damaged structure causing the LBP is identified and treated, and complete recovery from the episode is expected. Clinical experience shows us that often, athletes with LBP will not recover from their episode and may continue their sports participation despite persistent pain, or they may limit participation. Recent neuroscience research into the biology of pain suggests that clinicians involved in the management of athletes with LBP should embrace a biopsychosocial approach by engaging the brain and nervous system. This manuscript provides an overview of such a biopsychosocial approach, and presents information on the neurobiology of the athlete's pain experience.
University of Nevada Las Vegas, School of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3029, USA. louie.puentedura@unlv.edu
Emilio J
EJ
Puentedura
Adriaan
A
Louw
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000639:trends*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D013178:Sports Medicine