Last week we gave a brief introduction into understanding the spondy (for those who did not read last weeks post, please scroll down and check it out before reading this post).
In Part 1 we discussed the importance of knowing your body along with understanding the condition that you suffer from.
Without proper knowledge of your condition and how your body works, those who suffer from spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis will continue to fight pain on a daily basis.
With that being said, let's continue where we left off from last week and start this week with a very common question. What is the difference between spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis?
Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis, what's the difference?
If you have yet to get an exact diagnosis for your back pain, we highly recomend you seek professional medical advice.
To determine the exact problem of any back injury, an MRI is needed along with several X-Rays. Again, please seek a medical professional before you jump to any conclusions about your back condition.
Just because you have similar symptoms to those listed on websites, does not mean you actually have the condition. Without knowing exactly what you have, you will be playing the guessing game and the guessing game never turns out well.
Now, let's get down to business.....
Spondylol-ysis
In Part 1 we discussed the importance of knowing your body along with understanding the condition that you suffer from.
Without proper knowledge of your condition and how your body works, those who suffer from spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis will continue to fight pain on a daily basis.
With that being said, let's continue where we left off from last week and start this week with a very common question. What is the difference between spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis?
Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis, what's the difference?
If you have yet to get an exact diagnosis for your back pain, we highly recomend you seek professional medical advice.
To determine the exact problem of any back injury, an MRI is needed along with several X-Rays. Again, please seek a medical professional before you jump to any conclusions about your back condition.
Just because you have similar symptoms to those listed on websites, does not mean you actually have the condition. Without knowing exactly what you have, you will be playing the guessing game and the guessing game never turns out well.
Now, let's get down to business.....
Spondylol-ysis
Illustration by Don Fuhrmann
Over time, or in some cases during one specific event, stress is applied to the vertabrae. At some point the amount of stress cannot be tolerated and one (or more) of the bony projections of the vertabrae (pars interarticularis) will suffer a break.
See part 1 of this blog for a further definition of the pars interarticularis.
Once this break occurs it is labeled as a spondylolysis. The most common type of spondylolysis is an isthmic spondylolysis.
Isthmic spondy's are usually the result of frequent strain to this small area of the spine. The illustration on the left shows the break from a side angle.
If you take a close look you can see the fracture located near the middle of the drawing on the pars interarticularis. This particular drawing has no slippage. Therefore this case would be labeled as a spondylolysis.
Spondylol-isthesis
See part 1 of this blog for a further definition of the pars interarticularis.
Once this break occurs it is labeled as a spondylolysis. The most common type of spondylolysis is an isthmic spondylolysis.
Isthmic spondy's are usually the result of frequent strain to this small area of the spine. The illustration on the left shows the break from a side angle.
If you take a close look you can see the fracture located near the middle of the drawing on the pars interarticularis. This particular drawing has no slippage. Therefore this case would be labeled as a spondylolysis.
Spondylol-isthesis
Illustration by Don Fuhrmann
The easiest way to differentiate between a spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is to remember the word "slip".
The main difference between these two often confused terms is the fact that with a spondylolisthesis slippage or a displacement is involved.
The slippage could be due to instability or breaks on both sides of the pars (bi lateral). The illustration on the left shows the break with slippage of the vertabrae, also known as a spondylolisthesis.
Pay close attention to the two photos. You can see the break is in the same position as the previous photo, except in this photo the vertabrae has slipped foward.
This type of slippage can lead to nerve pain and extreme muscle tightness. Due to the displacement or slippage, this case would be labeled a spondylolisthesis.
This is a short, simple, and easy way to remember the difference between these very similar sounding conditions.
After reading and thinking about these last two blog post you should have a basic understanding of the anatomy involved with these conditions. Although this is a very basic and brief explination, it should provide you with enough knowledge to explain and understand your condition.
To learn more about the anatomy of your spondy and how to utilize this knowledge with the right spondylolisthesis exercises and stretches click HERE and learn about our spondysolution program.
The main difference between these two often confused terms is the fact that with a spondylolisthesis slippage or a displacement is involved.
The slippage could be due to instability or breaks on both sides of the pars (bi lateral). The illustration on the left shows the break with slippage of the vertabrae, also known as a spondylolisthesis.
Pay close attention to the two photos. You can see the break is in the same position as the previous photo, except in this photo the vertabrae has slipped foward.
This type of slippage can lead to nerve pain and extreme muscle tightness. Due to the displacement or slippage, this case would be labeled a spondylolisthesis.
This is a short, simple, and easy way to remember the difference between these very similar sounding conditions.
After reading and thinking about these last two blog post you should have a basic understanding of the anatomy involved with these conditions. Although this is a very basic and brief explination, it should provide you with enough knowledge to explain and understand your condition.
To learn more about the anatomy of your spondy and how to utilize this knowledge with the right spondylolisthesis exercises and stretches click HERE and learn about our spondysolution program.
