Back injuries in basketball players.

The basketball player with lower back or lower extremity radicular pain needs to be carefully evaluated. A complete history of any previous symptomatology and a specific history of the new injury are absolutely essential. A careful physical examination with an understanding of the anatomy as well as possible causes of the lower back pain is crucial. An accurate diagnosis is essential in treating every athlete. Most basketball-related lower back injuries will respond to conservative nonsurgical treatment. Rehabilitation is a cornerstone in not only treating the initial symptoms, but decreasing the risks of reinjury. The goal of returning the basketball player to previous performance level as quickly as possible, with a minimal risk of re-injury, is the goal of the team physicians.