Spondylolysis - Complications

Complications

Spondylolysis pain can lead to reduced mobility and inactivity. Inactivity can result in weight gain, loss of bone density, and loss of muscle strength and flexibility of other areas of the body. Spondylolysis can progress until one or more vertebrae slip out of place which is then called Spondylolisthesis.

Over time, degenerative changes of spondylolysis can cause serious complications including:

• low back, mid back, and neck pain
• Spinal Stenosis- where the spinal canal becomes narrow and the spinal cord can become pinched; can occur in the neck or low back.
• Cauda equina syndrome- a syndrome where the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed by an intervertebral disc or mass; rare but can cause severe nerve problems.
• Radiculopathy- a condition where one or more spinal nerves are compressed.
• Cervical Myelopathy- when the spinal canal narrows to the point that causes spinal cord injury.