Treatment and Rehabilitation
The most notable non-surgical rehabilitation procedure done with an individual with Spondylolysis is Physical Therapy. Therapy usually ranges from 3 to 6 months depending on the status of the injury. The main objective for rehabilitation is to strengthen core abdominal muscles so that they can stabilize the lower back and pelvis, improve motion in the hip joints and mid back so movement can occur above and below the site of injury, and most importantly, teach movement patterns that encourage stability of the spine while using motion in the hip joints and mid back instead. The goal is to minimize movement at the unstable pars defect. Besides physical therapy, treatments for acute spondylolysis include resting from sports participation or wearing a Boston overlap brace (anti-lordotic brace) (MassGeneral Hospital for Children). Medication such as Motrin, ibuprofen and other pain relievers may also be used during these treatments to reduce the pain and decrease inflammation. During treatment, the patient is usually asked to stay off their feet and get as much rest as they can by lying down for the majority of the day. If for any reason the patient should do any sort of activity, the brace should be worn to prevent any excessive movement or bad bending. When the patient is done with Physical Therapy and has no sign of pain or inflammation in the lower back, they are cleared to continue with daily or athletic activities but may need to continue further lower back workouts assigned by the therapist. The Boston overlap brace may need to be worn some more if the patient wishes in order to prevent any faulty posture or excessive transverse movements. Approximately 80-85% of patients have shown pain relief after having these treatments. Surgery may be done to those who have not had success with treatments but this is rarely common.
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