The spine performs various functions in our body from supporting various body movements to transferring signals from one part of the body to others. Any injury or other conditions affecting the spine affects the functions performed by the spine as well.
One of the spinal conditions that we are going to talk about in the post is spondylolysis. This is when a break or stress fracture occurs in the spine. This condition often develops after repetitive sports injuries. Spondylolysis is painful and is also known as pars defect because it affects pars interarticularis, a tiny spinal bone. Severe cases of the condition may require spinal surgery.
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Difference Between Spondylolisthesis and Spondylolysis
There is a slight difference between the two. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra displaces out of its place on the one present below it. While on the other hand, spondylolysis is the cause of spondylolisthesis. In spondylolysis, a small crack or stress fracture develops in the vertebra that later results in slipping of the vertebra.
Spondylolysis – Who is More Prone?
Kids and teenagers who are engaged in athletic activities like gymnastics and football are more prone to developing spondylolysis. Besides this, only overextension and overstretching of the spine may also cause spondylolysis.
What Are the Causes of Spondylolysis?
Genes are known to play a role in causing spondylolysis as the exact cause of the condition is still unknown. People suffering from the condition have weak pars interarticularis, a tiny bone in the spine that connects facet joints. Weakened pars interarticularis increases the risk of slipping the vertebra.
What Are the Symptoms of Spondylolysis?
In mild spondylolysis cases, lower back pain is often experienced by the person while in some cases, people may have the condition but do not feel any symptoms.
Sometimes, pain may also radiate down the leg or into the buttocks. Pain may also restrict people from doing daily/routine activities. Besides all this, spinal movement is also restricted.
The common age at which the condition is diagnosed is 15-16 years.
What is the Diagnosis of Spondylolysis?
Only a correct diagnosis of the condition can help you get the right treatment. During the diagnosis, the healthcare service provider asks about the medical history and symptoms to get a better idea about the condition. Above all, imaging tests are always required to confirm the condition. The tests ordered may include:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
What is the Treatment of Spondylolysis?
The treatment of spondylolysis aims at improving the symptoms including pain and healing the fracture. It will be based on the severity of the condition along with the diagnostic reports. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments for spondylolysis, and the doctor always focuses on treating the condition using non-surgical ways at first. Let us see what these methods include:
- Medication
- Activity modification
- Targeted physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Bracing
When these methods fail, surgery remains the last option left. Surgery is rare but may be recommended as the last option of treatment. During surgery, stabilization of the spine along with repairing of pars interarticularis is performed.
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