L5 bilatral pars defect resulting in Spondylolisis

[Tauqeer]

All,

This forum and access to people with experience in spinal related areas is exactly what I need. Any comments and help given would be greatly appreciated.

I am 39 and I have had an incident of a very sore lower back about a year ago which went away in 3-4 weeks later and has since returend about 3-4 weeks ago. I was so stiff in the lower back that I could not stand up straight, was pretty much visibly leaning forward.

Had x-rays done, and chiro has found out that L5 pars defect may be the cause for this. As much as pain is negligible right now and only arises in certain times, there is still stiffness in the area and from what I have gleaned Chiro is concenred that vertebrae may not be stable and may still be moving forward.
The slippage at this stage is relatively small (a few mm's and definitely less that 1/4 of the length of the vertebrae).

Also it seems that my right side in the (front view) xrays appear to be 7mm lower than left (scoliosis or something? I suck at medical terms).

My questions/concerns are:

1. Are there any doctors, physiotherapist in Sydney area who specialise in stablising the back so the slippage could be stopped ?

2. Is there a way to detect the movemonts and postures/muscular weaknesses that may be contributive to the slippage?

3. From subject matter exterts point of view whats the way forward for me? who do I see, talk to and engage. Do i need to see a specialist? or anyone else?

Any help give would be invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

[Mischap123]

1) need to see if stable via functional X-rays. There are heaps of places and ppl you can see. If stable and you do some strenthening, it may not slip any further.
2) this is all dependant on the whole strengthening issue
3) grade 1 spondy in some literature says 5% of the population may have. It can sit there dormant or cause you heaps of pain. It's very variable. Only need to see a specialist if there is unrelenting chronic pain, instability or neurological symptoms.
Hope this helped

[Tauqeer]

Thank you kindly Mischap123

I have also read somewhere that according to some recent research that Slippage is rare in absence of trauma, ie. it doesnt gradually slip it usually slips intermittently resulting from external forces..... Is that true?

I have started program with physio, the pain is a lot less and only happens sometime during the day and after exercises i usually feel good as new? is that a good sign?

Is there a user group or spondy sufferes that I could consult please?

Thanks heaps

[Mischap123]

Only 2-3% of ppl show progressive displacement. Maximum slippage is usually seen in the first 2 years of spondylolysis. There are many factors that contribute to spondy's/slippage and all these figure are highly debated on amonst medical circles.
Sounds like you are doing OK. Keep it up
Re user grp - I don't know of any