Khazen AthletiKare--Spondylolysis

SPONDYLOLYSIS

What is it?

common in teenage athletes, a defect occurring in the lumbar spine, usually in the 4th or 5th lumbar vertebrae, causing pain during spine hyperextension
the surrounding nerve root can become irritated, causing pain, numbness, and tingling into the hip, buttocks, and legs, which can be debilitating

How's it happen?

repetitive hyperextension of the spine, such as that occurring in gymnasts, divers, and football lineman
pressure is put on the lumbar spine and a defect occurs on the vertebra

What do you do about it?

brief bed rest may be indicated
treatment, rehab, and return to activity functional program (focused on abdominal and lower back strengthening and stability, as well as biomechanics for lifting, etc)
back brace may be indicated
if untreated, this can lead to a stress fracture and can progress to SPONDYLISTHESIS (the defect in the lumbar spine causes one vertebrae to actually "slip" on the other, causing great pain, instability, and nerve symptoms)

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