Chiropractor for Spondylolysis Treatment in Carrollton, TX
Spondylolysis is a condition that involves a defect or stress fracture in a specific part of a vertebra, typically in the lower spine (lumbar region). This defect occurs in a region called the pars interarticularis, which is a thin bone segment that connects the upper and lower facets of the vertebra. The condition is often referred to as a "pars defect" or "pars fracture." This is most common in athletes such as gymnasts, football players, cheerleaders and dancers that are exposed to repetitive extension and hyperextension of the lumbar spine. The repetitive nature causes the bone to fatigue and weaken, usually resulting in a stress reaction, which leads into a stress fracture if it does not heal. This is typically a precursor to Spondylolysthesis.
Key Points About Spondylolysis:
Common in younger individuals: Spondylolysis is often seen in athletes, especially those involved in sports that require repetitive hyperextension of the spine (like gymnastics, football, cheerleading, dancing or weightlifting).
Symptoms: Many people with spondylolysis may not experience symptoms, but in some cases, it can lead to lower back pain, especially after activity or physical exertion. Pain may be localized to the lower back or spread to the hips or legs.
Causes: The condition can be caused by repetitive stress or overuse, leading to small fractures in the pars interarticularis. In some cases, it may also be congenital, meaning a person is born with a weakness in this part of the vertebra.
Diagnosis: It is typically diagnosed through imaging studies like X-rays (when it has fractured all the way through), MRI, or CT scans. In some cases, a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan may be used to detect the stress fracture.
Symptoms of Low Back Pain:
The symptoms of low back pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. They may include:
Localized pain: Pain directly in the lower back, which can be dull, sharp, or throbbing.
Radiating pain: Pain that extends into the hips, buttocks, or legs (e.g., sciatica). This is common in cases of a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving or bending the back due to tight muscles or inflammation.
Numbness or tingling: In some cases, nerve compression can cause numbness or tingling in the legs or feet.
Weakness: Muscle weakness or a feeling of "giving way" in the legs, which can be caused by nerve irritation or compression.
Difficulty standing or sitting for long periods: Prolonged sitting or standing may exacerbate the pain, leading to discomfort or a need to change positions frequently.
How can Chiropractic Care help with pain associated with Spondylolysis?
At Elevation, we utilize a wide variety of techniques and treatments to improve symptoms related to Spondylolysis. Depending on the severity and stage of the Spondylosis and location can result in different treatment programs. At Elevation, our goal is to reduce symptoms and pain associated with the stress reaction or stress fracture and then stabilize the muscle tissue around it with strengthening exercises. It's not a one-size fits all situation because each patient with this is treated different and each person may present with unique compensation patterns that amplify symptoms. We utilize different soft tissue treatments such as manual therapy, dry needling, IASTM, cupping, and shockwave therapy. We also use specific spinal manipulation or adjusting that do not threaten the stress reaction or stress fracture to improve range of motion and mobility through the spine effectively. We usually teach a progression of advanced rehabilitation and strengthening exercises for the low back and surrounding regions as well to help ease and reduce symptoms long-term.
Try this Exercise for Low Back Pain
This modified version of a Pallof press is one of our favorite go-to exercises for back pain, hip pain, or even upper and lower extremity injuries. It helps to target rotational stability through the core, which is where a lot of us tend to struggle and lack strength. Having a properly functioning core system is crucial for injury prevention and injury recovery. This is typically where we start with this exercise and make modifications to make it more or less challenging depending on the person. We usually recommend starting with 3 sets of 8 reps with an 8-second hold a good starting point before progressing to a harder variation.
What's the difference between Spondylolysis and Spondylolysthesis?
While both are often referred to as "spondy" or "spondy pain", Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis are two different spinal conditions, with different treatment programs, as well as different symptoms.
Spondylolysis is a defect or fracture in the vertebral bone without vertebral slippage. The treatment for Spondylolysis can be less aggressive, including rest, chiropractic treatments listed above, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Spondylolisthesis is a slippage of one vertebra over another, which can occur due to Spondylolysis or other causes. Depending on the severity of the slippage, the treatment for Spondylolisthesis tends to be a bit more aggressive, with more rehabilitative exercises, manual therapy, and other chiropractic treatments listed above.
If left untreated, Spondylolysis can sometimes progress to Spondylolisthesis, but not always.
TESTIMONIALS
Charles M.
I recently had severe lower back pain as a result of overuse and to be honest, probably a little ego at the gym. It felt like a herniated disk. I could not stand straight and I could not sleep for longer than an hour at a time. I went to visit Dr. Konner and I cannot believe how quickly my pain was gone and I walked out of there with complete mobility. This was my first time to try dry needling and it is a miracle process. If you find yourself in any kind of lower back, or any pain, strain or pull of a muscle, I can not stress enough the relief you'll feel once you have just a single session with Dr. Konner. I'm so happy with these results that I'm making my appointments to have him take a look at my lingering knee and shoulder issues and finally being pain free.
MEET THE DOCTOR
Dr. Konner Ackerman, DC, CCSP®, MS, ATC
Dr. Konner Ackerman is the owner of Elevation Spine and Sports Medicine. He previously won the 2021 Addison Reader’s Award for Favorite Chiropractor for his previous clinic. He is motivated to assist his patients with a sports medicine approach to chiropractic care for the spine and extremities. He utilizes his skills to help individuals of all ages and activity levels to decrease pain and improve daily activities that a patient may be struggling with. He believes in an evidence-informed, holistic and wellness approach to patient care. He begins with a detailed medical history and exam and follows up with explaining an individualized treatment program to help each patient improve.
Dr. Konner Ackerman graduated from the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon with honors of Magna Cum Laude where he earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic, Master of Science in Sports Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Major in Athletic Training. He was also a competitive gymnast of fifteen years, which included competing for the University of Michigan where he won two Big Ten Conference Team Championships and two NCAA Team Championships.
He has experience covering PBA tournaments where he worked with national team members at the Olympic Training Center. He also has experience working with a variety of sports at the elite and collegiate level as well as both a chiropractor and athletic trainer. This includes football, lacrosse, soccer, gymnastics and softball. He is also a member of the National Athletic Training Association (NATA).
