Spondylolysis

About 63% of athletes experience spondylolysis during their lifetime, which can lead to back pain. With offices in Beverly Hills and the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, Robert H. Cho, MD, diagnoses and treats spondylolysis to ease your discomfort and reduce the risk of spondylolisthesis or other complications. Schedule an appointment with orthopedic surgeon Robert Cho, MD, by calling the office or booking one online today.

What is spondylolysis?

Your vertebrae consist of 33 bones in your spinal column. Spondylolysis is a small crack (fracture) between two vertebrae in the spine. 

It commonly affects the lower back, but it can occur in your middle back or neck as well. The earlier you seek treatment for spondylolysis, the greater your chance of avoiding worsening pain or complications.

Which symptoms can spondylolysis cause?

The following are symptoms of spondylolysis:

• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Radiating pain into your buttocks and thighs
• Pain that worsens with physical activity
• Discomfort that improves with rest

Not everyone with spondylolysis experiences noticeable symptoms. 

Don’t ignore back pain, especially discomfort that lasts more than a few days or limits your ability to enjoy your typical daily activities. Dr. Cho can diagnose the cause of your discomfort and offer advanced, highly effective treatments.

What are the risk factors for spondylolysis?

Spondylolysis risk factors include:

• Overuse
• Repetitive motions
• Being an athlete
• Contact sports
• Physically demanding job
• Growth spurts in children
• Genetics
• Native Alaskan ethnicity

Spondylolysis appears to affect less than 10% of people in the United States each year. It’s most common among children and teenagers, especially those who play contact sports. 

Untreated spondylolysis is a risk factor for spondylolisthesis, which occurs when vertebrae slip out of place.

How is spondylolysis diagnosed?

Dr. Cho diagnoses spondylolysis by discussing your medical history, lifestyle habits, and symptoms. He also completes a physical exam and orders diagnostic tests. You might need X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.

How is spondylolysis treated?

Your personalized spondylolysis treatment plan may consist of:

• Rest
• Bracing
• Physical therapy 
• Medications
• Injections 
• Surgery

While it’s rare to need surgery for spondylolysis, Dr. Cho offers surgical procedures in severe cases. It’s important to follow your treatment plan exactly as designed to ensure proper healing. Follow up with Dr. Cho to ensure the treatment is effective and long-lasting.

Prevention measures include proper sports training and wearing protective equipment during contact sports or at a physically demanding job. Eat a balanced diet, stay active, and take bone-strengthening vitamins or other supplements if asked to.

Schedule a spondylolysis evaluation with Robert H. Cho, MD, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.