Patient Information Resources


Spine Institute
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1500 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 401B
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 863-4444






Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

View Web RX

« Back

Over the summer our high school freshman was diagnosed with spondylolysis. He was treated by a physical therapist for a month and sent home with an exercise program to continue until school starts. He's still wearing a brace and it's time to start football practice. Is it safe for him to join the team this soon?

Treatment for spondylolysis varies from doctor to doctor and region to region. It's best to find out what your doctor's protocol is for this problem. Some doctors start patients on rest for two to four weeks and then use a brace. The brace may be prescribed only if the patient has back pain after that. Exercises are progressed over the first six weeks. Football practice wouldn't be advised until the patient is pain free and at the end of the prescribed exercise program. The doctor may ask the athlete to wear the brace for the first eight to 12 weeks of sports practice. When the athlete is pain free during the sports activity, then it can be weaned away over several weeks.

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.