Physical management of muscular low back pain in the athlete.

The Canadian medical staff at the 1976 Olympic Games found that muscular low back pain was a common problem among the athletes. The problem had usually developed during training as a result of neglect of certain anatomic areas, particularly the abdominal region. A five-point treatment and prevention program was used with good results. It included (a) relief of spasm and pain, (b) stretching, (c) exercise, (d) alteration of the training program and (e) education to prevent future problems or worsening of the present problem.