If you experience stiffness or escalating pain when arching your back, it may not be simple muscle soreness but could warrant suspicion of spondylolysis. Spondylolysis involves a crack or defect in the pars interarticularis at the rear of the vertebra, leading to separation of part of the vertebral bone, instability in movement, and resultant pain. It can mimic ordinary low back pain, but neglecting it without identifying the cause can lead to worsening, so caution is advised.
Spondylolysis often occurs in occupations involving heavy lifting, athletes who repeatedly strain their backs, or individuals with habits that impose ongoing stress on the spine. Even without a family history, poor posture and excessive back use can be primary causes. If pain arises when lifting objects or climbing stairs, and discomfort intensifies when arching backward, it's likely more than muscle pain and may indicate a structural issue, necessitating precise diagnosis.
Even with accompanying spondylolisthesis, if the slippage is mild or without severe symptoms, non-surgical treatments can relieve symptoms. But if conservative or non-surgical approaches fail, or symptoms like weakness, bowel/bladder dysfunction, or muscle atrophy emerge, surgical options such as microscopic decompression or mini spinal fusion should be actively considered. Recently, minimally invasive spine procedures that minimize incisions have become available, reducing recovery burden and shortening time to daily life return.
Moreover, consistent strength exercises and lifestyle management after treatment are key to maintaining spinal health, and above all, not missing the treatment timing is crucial.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
