20/08/2026
π Lower-back pain in a junior fast bowler should never be dismissed as βjust a ni**le.β
During adolescence, the lumbar spine is still developing while bowling speed, workload and competitive demands are increasing.
When repeated loading exceeds the boneβs capacity to recover, a lumbar bone stress injury (LBSI) can develop.
Warning signs may include:
π Lower-back pain during or after bowling
π Pain with arching, twisting or side-bending
π A recent increase in bowling workload
π A recent growth spurt
π Previous lumbar bone stress injury
π An unexplained reduction in bowling intensity
Assessment includes a detailed history, physical examination and, when indicated, MRI to identify early bone stress or a fracture. Early injuries may not appear on an X-ray.
Pain can settle before biological recovery is complete. Returning to bowling should therefore follow an individualised rehabilitation program that progressively rebuilds running, strength, cricket skills and bowling load - not pain alone.
If a young bowler develops lower back pain, stop bowling and arrange an assessment with a sports physiotherapist or sports physician experienced in cricket.
Read the full article at sportsphysioclinic.com.au
π² Book an assessment at The Sports Physio Clinic.
π The Sports Physio Clinic
π 9981 4099 Narrabeen
π 9418 2926 West Pymble
π 9418 2926 PLC
π² Book Online https://sportsphysioclinic.com.au/book-online/physiotherapy