About this topic
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. These bones are lined up on top of each other. The spinal bones have a large solid part called the body. There is also a boney arch that goes around your spinal cord. Spondylolysis is a tiny crack, or stress fracture, in this boney arch. This problem almost always happens in the lower back or the lumbar spine. This arch can crack on one or both sides. If it happens on both sides and it is not treated, it can lead to a more serious problem. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest. Avoid activities that put stress on the spine or make the pain worse.
- Take drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Ice may help with pain. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Wear a back brace if the doctor suggests you wear one.
- Do exercises for strengthening and stretching that your doctor or physical therapist teaches you to do.
- Start a weight loss program if you are overweight.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy for treatments to help lessen pain. They may also teach you exercises to help you heal faster. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
The doctor may give you a shot to help with pain and swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem get better. ‚
What problems could happen?
- A spinal bone could slip forward onto the spinal bone below. This is spondylolisthesis.
- Chronic back pain
- Nerve damage
- Need for surgery
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Keep your back and belly muscles strong and your hamstring muscles flexible.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise. Use good training techniques and form for sports. Have an expert look at your technique.
- Wear the right equipment when playing sports.
- Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how many exercises you do.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Do not exercise or play sports when you are tired or in pain.
- Use extra care in sports with a lot of back bending such as gymnastics, dancing, football, and wrestling.
- Eat a healthy diet to keep your muscles and bones healthy. Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- More pain or numbness in your legs
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- If you have back pain, do not ignore it. Go to the doctor. The earlier this problem is treated, the better the results.
- Try swimming and biking to stay in shape. These activities put less stress on your back.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent this condition.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00053 ‚
North American Spine Society ‚
http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/SpinalConditions/DegenerativeConditions/Spondylolysthesis.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚