Understanding Spondylolysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Spondylolysis occurs when a problem in the spine causes a small crack or a fracture between two vertebrates. Spondylolysis causes back pain, but is treatable, and in most cases no surgery is needed. Treatment can be most useful when started early, so an early diagnosis is important.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Arthritis
- Lower back arthritis

Signs & symptoms

Spondylolysis can be asymptomatic (the patient may not feel anything wrong). If symptoms are present, low back pain is the most common. The characteristics of the pain are usually: muscle strain feeling, made worse with extension, and spreads across the lower back.

Diagnosis

After asking about your medical history, your symptoms and performing a physical exam, you healthcare provide would probably send you to some imaging tests. X-ray to the lower back may show of any fractured vertebrate. CT and MRI scans are more accurate imaging tests and may be a part of your diagnosis as well.

Treatment

Treatments for spondylolysis usually include: resting from any sport activity, medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, physical therapy, and in some cases lower back braces.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital