Spondylosis is the term for arthritis in the articulations (fancy term for the connecting point in bones where motion is possible, aka joints) between the vertebral bodies (which are the bones that make up the spine).  In the spine, we are referring to the facet (fa•set) joints and the disc (which are the shock absorbers between nearly all vertebra).  Spondylosis is rarely seen in children but is often seen in adults.  

The white arrow here indicates the facet joints, a common site for spondylosis.  The blue arrows indicate the vertebral bodies and the green arrow indicates the disc.

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a lumbar vertebra slides forward off the one below it.  This can be confusing because a person can have spondylolysis (the break) with or without spondylolisthesis (the slippage).  In the image below, the white arrow indicates where the break would occur and the red arrow indicates what direction the vertebral body would go.

Fast gaining attention in the literature is what is known as a “pending spondylolysis”, which shows a characteristic pattern on an MRI that indicates an area under strain that is susceptible to breaking.

Spondylolisthesis and Spondylolysis are commonly seen in sports that require a lot of trunk extension, or bending back from the waist.  While these injuries have been reported in every sport, major culprits are weight lifters, football interior linemen, and cheerleaders but the highest incidence is in gymnasts.  The extension puts pressure on the back of the pars interarticularis which can break.  

So what does this all mean and what can be done?

The first thing that needs to be determined is if it is active or inactive.  This is done by having an MRI done with a special series called a STIR.  Bone scans can also be done to determine this but, with the continued advances in MRI, you get the same information without the radiation.

If the MRI shows that it is active, then treatment can require stopping the offending activity and possibly bracing.  If the MRI shows that it isn’t active, then chiropractic care has been shown to greatly help this condition with the addition of physical therapy.

 If you or someone you love has spondylosis, spondylolysis, or spondylolesthesis, call Fisher Chiropractic today to see if we can help, 630-455-4545.  We will not only determine the extent of damage, but also if it's the real culprit and get to the root of the problem!