Spondylolysis

Three Similar Words – Three Different Conditions

Spondylolysis is different from spondylosis and spondylolisthesis. Spondylosis occurs when cartilage, disks, ligaments and bones in your child's neck wear down. Poor posture, obesity and lack of exercise can enhance the problem.

Spondyolysis is a stress fracture in the lower back. Repetitive stress from sports can put kids at risk. Both spondyolysis and spondylolisthesis may cause low back pain.

Spondylolisthesis happens when a vertebra, weakened from a stress fracture, moves forward, slipping out of alignment from the rest of the spine.

Repetitive Stress

Most cases of spondylolysis are repetitive stress injuries that develop during intense athletic training. Athletes who participate in sports that put repeated pressure on the lower back are particularly prone to these overuse injuries of the spine. As the athlete’s muscles become overly fatigued, the load is transferred to their bones. Over time, the continued pressure can cause stress fractures in the lower spine.

Genetic Causes

Some children are born with fragile spines that can fracture in the course of normal childhood activities. These children may have lower spine fractures by the age of 5 or 6, usually with no signs or symptoms. Typically, they are diagnosed only if their doctor orders an X-ray for another back issue.

Spondylolysis is one of the most common causes of low back pain in young athletes. The degree of pain depends, in part, on the severity of the injury.

Symptoms of spondylolysis include:

• Low back pain that increases during physical activity
• Pain that spreads to the buttocks and down the back of the thighs
• Tight hamstrings

Back pain caused by spondylolysis tends to progress in stages, starting out mild and gradually becoming more persistent. In severe cases, the pain can become constant, even when your child is not active.

It’s important to note that low back pain is often a symptom of muscle strain, not a fracture. Either way, if your child has low back pain, request an appointment to see a Shriners Children's physician. Prompt treatment can help resolve your child's pain and prevent the injury from progressing.

Our philosophy is to focus on all the options for your child. Your Shriners Children's physician will perform a thorough history and physical examination, order X-rays taken and go over the details of your child's condition.

Then, you and your physician will develop a personalized treatment program for your child. This plan may include medication, steroid injections, physical therapy or bracing or, in rare cases, surgery.