Lumbar stress fractures

Lumbar stress fractures are most common in athletes who undertake repetitive hyperextension, such as fast bowlers in cricket and gymnasts.

Football players can also suffer from stress fractures to the lumbar spine. If the stress fracture occurs in two or more places, one component of the spine can 'slip' forward on another. This is called a spondylolisthesis.

Australian cricket fast bowler, Brett Lee, has suffered multiple stress fractures of his lower back throughout his career.

A lower back brace may sometimes be required to help provide pain relief in lumbar stress fractures. The ProCare 8" Universal Rib Belt is commonly used in hospitals and is recommended by physiotherapists and other health professionals.