Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Spondylolysis is a fairly common medical condition referring to a fracture in the thin bone segment that joins vertebrae. This blog aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of spondylolysis and how to safely treat it.

In this blog article we will review the symptoms, causes, and safe treatment of Spondylolysis.

What is Spondylolysis?

Spondylolysis is a medical condition that mainly affects the pars interarticularis of the lumbar vertebrae and is caused by repetitive motions. The cervical and thoracic vertebra are also susceptible to spondylolysis, but it is not as common in these areas of the spine.

The pars interarticularis is a thin bony segment of the vertebra that joins adjacent vertebrae. 

A stress fracture can develop at the pars interarticularis and is often referred to as a pars defect, pars fracture, or Spondylolysis. The stress fracture can develop on one or both sides of the pars interarticularis.

Symptoms

The following are common symptoms associated with spondylolysis.

1. Back pain that increases with activity
2. Back pain that increases when bending backwards
3. Pain that radiates to the back of the thighs and the gluteal region
4. Pain along the spine that feels similar to a pulled muscle

Some people never experience any symptoms and learn about the stress fracture during an X-Ray or MRI. It is not uncommon for a minor stress fracture to not present any painful symptoms.

Causes

The main cause of spondylolysis is repetitive motion that stresses the spine. Some of the causes are:

• Contact injuries or hyperextension from sports such as soccer, football, weightlifting, or gymnastics.
• Overuse of the spine from repetitive motions that stress the lower back and vertebrae.
• Individuals that are genetically disposed to have thin vertebrae structures.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis:

Usually involves physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI if needed. These tests will help your healthcare provider determine which vertebra (or vertebrae) has a stress fracture.

You can learn more about how to discuss your pain and preparing for a visit with your healthcare provider in these blog articles.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Your Pain

Tips for Communicating With Your Doctor at Your Next Appointment

Treatment Options:

It is important to always follow the prescribed treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will provide recommendations for treatment duration and frequency. Most fractures heal within six months when a treatment plan is followed.

Some common treatments include:

• Lumbar brace (LSO or TLSO depending on the affected spinal area)
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) medications
• Rest and time off from sports activities or repetitive motions
• Physical therapy
• Oral or injection of corticosteroids

We offer a wide selection of lumbar braces to treat your spondylolysis. You can view our selection of lumbar braces by clicking here.

Depending on the time it takes to heal and the amount of pain, surgical intervention may be an option. It is uncommon for spondylolysis to require surgery, but if you require spinal stabilization then surgery may be an option. Your surgeon will determine the best method to repair the fractured vertebra which does not require spinal fusion.

When to Seek Medical Help

If painful or debilitating symptoms persist or worsen despite self-care measures, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice or recommend further evaluation if necessary. Spondylolysis can lead to a more painful condition know as spondylolisthesis if further injury damages the pars interarticularis.

Conclusion

It may be frightening to be diagnosed with spondylolysis but with proper treatment and rest, you will find this is a manageable condition.

We're Here To Help

The team of experts at Elite Medical Supply of NY is here to help identify the right lumbar brace, mobility product, or therapy product for your recovery. We also offer a wide selection of braces from world-class manufacturers to alleviate pain and help heal your condition. Take a look at our selection of braces by clicking here.

When you're ready to order a product or need assistance making a choice we're here to help. You can reach us at 866-712-0881, send us an email, or fill out a contact form.