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 are the causes?
- Too much stress on the bones in the spine. This often comes from playing sports like gymnastics, football, or weight-lifting.
- Having thin bones. This may be from birth.
- Trauma
- Degenerative problem
What can make this more likely to happen?
- More common in children and teenagers
- Growth spurts
- Using poor techniques or improper equipment for sports or exercise
What are the main signs?
- Low back pain that is worse with activity and better with rest
- Pain in the buttocks, back of the thighs that may shoot down the leg
- Muscle spasms or tightness in the back or back of the thigh
- Some people have no signs
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam and feel around your back. The doctor may have you move and push and pull on your legs to test your motion and strength. Your doctor may have you raise one leg straight up to check if the muscles in the back of your thigh are tight. Your doctor may check the feeling and reflexes in your legs to check for nerve problems. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Back brace
- Exercises for strengthening and stretching
- Physical therapy (PT) for treatments to lessen pain and for instruction in exercises to help the problem
- Weight loss program if you are overweight
- Surgery may be needed if pain does not get better or if other problems happen
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. ‚
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.
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.
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚