Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

The most common cause of low back pain in adolescent athletes is a stress fracture in one of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column. Technically, this condition is called spondylolysis . It usually affects either the fourth or the fifth lumbar vertebra in the lower back.

If the stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it is unable to maintain its proper position, the vertebra can start to slip out of place. This condition is called spondylolisthesis. In adults, spondylolisthesis is usually caused by degenerative disk disease and often affects women over 40 years of age. If too much slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves and surgery may be necessary to correct the condition.


Symptoms? Cause? Diagnosis? Treatment?

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