This above is a topical map of the body. Each outline indicates a specific spinal nerve that provides motor and sensory function to that area of the body.
This is a topical map of trigger point referral patterns. Trigger points are areas of muscle tissue that is not functioning properly and can generate pain in the areas outtlined in red.
Spondylosis is a broad term used to describe the degeneration of the spinal column at any level. In a sense it is similar to osteoarthritis.
Spondylolysis is a specific term used to describe a body defect in the pars interarticular or isthmus of the vertebra. More commonly, this is known as a stress fracture that occurs with repeated injuries during sports or activities of daily living.
Lastly, and the most severe is, Spondylolisthesis, which is a precise term used to describe a phenomenon in which one vertebral body slides anterior which is depicted in the image below.
In regard to the development of these musculoskeletal injuries, it is hypothesized that the repetitive flexion, extension, and axial loads, without proper core engagement, can increase the probability of developing this condition.
It has been reported that 95% of ice hockey players will report lumbar pain in their final year of play (1). Although these athletes may possess the strength, conditioning, and mobility necessary to mitigate these pain signals, the researchers argue there is a high likelihood chronic pain will be expereinced after athletic competition has ceased.
A study conducted in 2009 found that most of the thoracolumbar injuries occurred during adolescent growth spurts and continued to persist throughout the rest of their careers (1). If these imbalances are not addressed, adulthood will be posed to the challenge of spondylolisthesis and neurological retardation.
This condition will often mimic that of piriformis syndrome with low back buttock pain, as this muscle attaches to the sacrum which is mechanically unstable. We can continue to treat the root, objectively, but if we don’t water them with proper care ie: therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and nutrition then the prognosis of chronic pain and deconditioning is almost certain.
Refrences
- Ball J R, Harris C B, Lee J, Vives M. June 2019. Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Review of the Literature and Current Treatment Recommendations. The Journal of Sports Medicine; 5(1): 1-10. Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Review of the Literature and Current Treatment Recommendations – PMC : Click Here
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