If you are a teenage gymnast, you might know about spondylolysis, a stress fracture of one of the vertebrae that make up your spinal column. Spondylolysis is a condition associated with sports that overstretch and hyperextend the spine, something that almost is required of gymnasts. Most cases of spondylolysis can be treated without surgery, but if the stress fracture weakens the bone too much, it starts to shift out of place. In these situations, the broken vertebrae tends to press on nerves, exacerbating the pain to the extent that invasive treatment is required. Whether or not surgery is indicated, a stress fracture in the vertebrae will need to be rehabbed.
Initial Treatment
Gymnasts with spondylolysis are never rushed into surgery. The first line of treatment and rehab is to take a break from gymnastics to help you heal. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen often are used for pain. Heat, cold, ultrasound and electrical stimulation are used to control pain and muscles spasms as well, according to the Winchester Hospital website. The next line of treatment might include a back brace and/or physical therapy. You might need a rigid, custom-fit brace to keep your spine from moving too much for as long as three months.
Physical Therapy
Therapy for spondylolysis is likely to include exercises to strengthen your core muscles and the muscles along the spine. You will be strengthening your back muscles, abs and obliques. Core muscles are sometimes described as a "front anchor" for your spine, so they can take pressure off the vertebrae if they are strong. You will do range-of-motion exercises to increase flexibility and keep your joints functioning properly. The therapist might base his treatment on the specific movements you make as a gymnast and recommend style, technique or equipment changes that might prevent future injury and perhaps improve your performance as well.
Rehab After Surgery
Surgery for spondylolysis involves fusing the vertebrae with the sacrum. It might be necessary to use a brace of screws and rods to hold the vertebrae together while it heals. Rehab after an operation is similar to rehab without surgery, although it will take longer for your back to heal before rehab can be started and the rehab process is likely to take longer. You might need to work with a physical therapist three days per week for two months or more. As with nonsurgical rehab, the basic thrust of rehab is the same: to strengthen your abs and core muscles surrounding the spine while increasing flexibility.
Research
Research into treatment of teenage spondylolysis indicates that most adolescents recover quite nicely from nonsurgical treatment of vertebrae fractures. The vast majority are able to resume athletic competition. A 2007 study reported in the "Journal of Spinal Disorders and Technology" found that 95 percent of more than 400 teens with spondylolysis showed "excellent" recoveries from nonsurgical treatment, and were able to return to sports. Participants in the study used a back brace for three months followed by a physical therapy program. The other 5 percent achieved "good" results. One caveat: The study used teenage soccer players, who are not required to execute as many back bends as most gymnasts.
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