Lower back pain occurs in athletes as well as in people who do not practice sports. Often referred to as "back strain," lumbago is complex and has various causes, including:

• Microscopic tears in back muscles and/or ligaments
• Deformity or inflammation of articular facets (small joints that link the vertebrae)
• Disk degeneration (wearing out of the small cushions between vertebrae)
• Disk herniation (fracture in the disk that allows its nucleus to exert pressure on a nerve)

In all cases the physiotherapist will advise you on good posture, the application of cold or heat, and specific exercises that may help. The physiotherapist may also recommend massage, mobilization and electrotherapy to help you to relieve pain and improve your condition.