This post is also available in: English Slovenščina (Slovenian)

The most likely risk factor for lumbosacral injuries in classical ballet dancers is hyperlordosis. Its development may be affected by weak abdominal muscles, holding the back too straight in the arabesque position, genu recurvatum, and excessive external rotation. Spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis and intervertebral disc herniation are all common injuries due to repetitive microtrauma. Male dancers often report having spare lumbar spine pain, probably due to conceptual and choreography design in which a proper position for lifting a female dancer cannot be achieved. Additionally, because male dancers start training at a later age, their lessons are more frequent and more intense in order for them to catch up with female dancers. Due to excessive exercise, dietary restrictions and low body mass index, female dancers seem to be more prone to delayed menarche onset, amenorrhea and reduced bone mass. This also means a greater risk for stress fractures. Injuries in classical ballet dancers are important public health issue, affecting dancers’ health condition as well as their economic and psychosocial status.