Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions among tennis players, with a particularly high incidence in high-level athletes.<\/p>\n\n
Low back pain (LBP) is a painful condition localized in the lumbar region of the spine, often of multifactorial origin. In tennis\u2014a sport characterized by explosive movements, high-speed trunk rotations, and repetitive technical actions\u2014low back pain represents a significant health issue for athletes. Epidemiological studies report a prevalence ranging from 30% to 50% among professional tennis players over the course of their careers (Campbell et al., 2013). <\/p>\n\n
The pathogenesis of low back pain in tennis players is closely linked to the inherently asymmetrical nature of the sport, as well as to the multifactorial interaction between intrinsic elements\u2014such as muscle imbalances, motor control dysfunctions, and postural alignment alterations\u2014and extrinsic factors, including the biomechanics of stroke execution, the characteristics of the playing surface, and the overall training load.<\/p>\n\n
The main causes include:<\/p>\n\n
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The differential diagnosis of low back pain in tennis players requires a thorough clinical and functional assessment<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n Therapeutic intervention should be multimodal and personalized based on the clinical picture and the stage of the condition.<\/p>\n\n The conservative approach includes:<\/p>\n\n In selected cases, an infiltrative approach (e.g., analgesics, ozone, corticosteroids) may be indicated, or, when clear indications are present, a surgical approach (e.g., unstable spondylolisthesis or unresolved extruded disc herniations), in accordance with international guidelines. Current evidence suggests that PRP (platelet-rich plasma) may be a promising therapeutic option for chronic low back pain, particularly of discogenic origin. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these findings and to establish optimal treatment protocols. <\/p>\n\n Prevention plays a central role in managing clinical risk, especially in young individuals who play tennis. It is therefore essential to promote and reinforce protective behaviors and healthy lifestyles<\/strong> aimed at reducing the incidence of low back pain. <\/p>\n\n Primary prevention of this condition is mainly based on:<\/p>\n\n Low back pain in tennis is a highly prevalent condition that can compromise performance and athletic longevity. An integrated approach<\/strong>\u2014including clinical assessment, functional rehabilitation, technical education, and load monitoring\u2014represents the most effective strategy for managing the condition and preventing recurrences. <\/p>\n\n
The Conservative Approach<\/h2>\n\n
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Prevention<\/h2>\n\n
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