Spondylolysis - Introduction
Spondylolysis is a cause of back pain in young people. It is known as a ‘stress’ fracture, and like many sports stress fractures it usually heals to become symptom free.
Who gets it?
The diagnosis of a spondylolysis should be thought about in back pain that occurs after strenuous sports on a consistent basis. Young gymnasts and young athletes involved in ‘throwing’ sports are most commonly affected. On the positive side it seems more common in elite athletes.
What causes it?
It is a stress fracture that occurs at the ‘pars inter-articularis’ which is a part of the back of the spinal bone, or the neural arch. It is not a serious structural fracture and so normal activities can continue.
The Patient Line website offers information for patients with spinal conditions:
Sciatica, back pain, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, scoliosis and many other spine conditions explained in a clear reliable, and trustworthy way. Not for profit EUROSPINE experts are here to help patients and their families understand what may be worrying them.
EUROSPINE is a society of spine specialists of various disciplines with a large knowledge of spine pathologies. All well-known and accepted treatment modalities for spine pathologies are represented by the members of the society. However, the Society cannot accept any responsibility for the use of the information provided; the user and their health care professionals must retain responsibility for their health care management.
