Manual Therapy
Volume 10, Issue 1 , Pages 14-20, February 2005

Can acute low back pain result from segmental spinal buckling during sub-maximal activities? A review of the current literature

  • Richard Preuss

      Affiliations

    • McGill University School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, 3630 Prom. Sir William Osler, Montreal, Canada H3G 1Y5
    • Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital Research Centre (site of CRIR), 3205 Place Alton Goldbloom, Laval, Canada H7V 1R2
    • ,
  • Joyce Fung

      Affiliations

    • McGill University School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, 3630 Prom. Sir William Osler, Montreal, Canada H3G 1Y5
    • Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital Research Centre (site of CRIR), 3205 Place Alton Goldbloom, Laval, Canada H7V 1R2
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital Research Centre, 3205 Place Alton Goldbloom, Laval, Quebec, Canada H7V 1R2. Tel.: +14506889550; fax: +14506883673.

Received 18 December 2003; received in revised form 16 July 2004; accepted 18 August 2004.

Abstract 

This paper provides a review of the current literature supporting the hypothesis that segmental spine buckling resulting in tissue damage may be a primary cause of sudden onset low back pain, even during activities that are sub-maximal with respect to loading and muscle activation. While a temporal link exists, it is supported primarily by anecdotal and clinical reports. More pertinent to this review is the biological plausibility of segmental spine buckling as a mechanism of acute injury, supported by modelling studies as well as current knowledge of tissue mechanics and neurophysiology. One antithesis, however, is the low incidence of low back injuries reported during sub-maximal tasks. In order to account for this discrepancy, several predisposing factors are addressed, both constant and situation-dependent, which may contribute to the occurrence of segmental spinal buckling during sub-maximal activities.

Keywords: Low back pain, Soft tissue injuries, Joint instability

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PII: S1356-689X(04)00079-7

doi:10.1016/j.math.2004.08.006

Manual Therapy
Volume 10, Issue 1 , Pages 14-20, February 2005

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