Lower back pain in U16 football (Soccer) players

[kimh195]

Hello..........
The physical and physiologic demands of football on its participants become more pronounced as the level of competition increases. The aim of this study was to compare the medical history and physical findings in players from different levels of play as well as to analyze the relationship between pathologic findings in the joints of the lower extremities and the medical history. Five hundred eighty-eight football players from eight age and skill levels were investigated. The medical histories of the players were obtained by questionnaire. A physical examination conducted by specially trained physicians incorporated anthropometric and body fat measurements and examination of the spine and the hip, knee, foot, and great toe joints. On average, the players reported 6.6 (SD, 8.8) previous injuries. At the time of the examination, 136 players (24%) still felt the effects of a previous injury. Almost one-quarter of the players (134, 23%) had a pathologic finding in either the right or left knee, and even more players (162, 28%) had a pathologic anterior drawer sign either in the right or left ankle. A correlation was found between the location of the pathologic findings and the preferred leg for playing football. We recommend that further research should address the prevalence of pathologic findings and complaints in football players as well as the secondary structural changes that may occur as the result of playing football.

* A human figure (posterior view) with pain radiating into the leg and numbness and tingling in the leg
* Sagittal view of lower spine with: tumor of the spinal cord, bone spur impinging on spinal nerves, compression fractures and herniated disc impinging on spinal nerve
* Anterior view of the lower spine and pelvis showing tumors, infections, degenerative diseases, ankylosing sponylitis, sacroilitis, arthritis and intrapelvic mass
* Correct postures and techniques to avoid low back pain

[camaron]

Thanks for the replies yesterday.

There still seems to be an issue with 3rd generation astro and back pain in girl and women soccer players. The ones I talk two say turf/grass is better but there seems to be no research on chronic back and 3G; maybe this is because FIFA has a vested interest in the success of 3G because it is a surface which can be used where grass can't be used.

Among the other variables is boot design - cleats versus studs versus moulds. Cleats seem to be more problematic on 3G, especially for girls and women.

Would be interested to hear more comments!!