Spondylolitic Defect

[Maria771]

Hi

I have been experiencing severe back ache for a long time now.  It's sore to touch and very uncomfortable along the vertebra.  The pain is just under my bra down to about 4 vertebra's .........I have been for x-rays which showed spondylolitic defect but my bottom spinal area is not sore.  It also feels like a pinching feeling occasionally and tightness around the area.

I did go for an MRI, which also showed Spondylolitic.  

The doctor told me that this area is very sensitive because of the Spondylolitic defect.  My legs are fine my lower abdomen is fine, not sore.  Only that specific area.  

Is the doctor absolutely correct by the diagnosis or is there something further?  Do You suggest I go for further tests, do I just accept the diagnosis?  I can't live with this pain.  He did suggest i start excercising.  When I did excercise it felt even worse the next day.  
He put me on anti inflamatory medication which is not helping whatsoever and he says there is nothing more that can be done.

I do have polycycstic overies could this also be the cause of the pain on my spine?

Please advise.

Thank You

[Maria771]

Thank you very much for your response.

I wasn't aware of Hydrotherapy, most doctors don't give you other alternatives but just tell you, you have to live with the pain. I really appreciate your suggestion and will look into it.

Regards

[Maria771]

Thank you very much for your response.

I wasn't aware of Hydrotherapy, most doctors don't give you other alternatives but just tell you, you have to live with the pain. I really appreciate your suggestion and will look into it.

Regards

[Jaybay]

http://www.sonoranspine.com/Spondylolisthesis.asp

The above link has a really good article on spondylolisthesis, which is just a big word to describe various changes in the spinal vertebra.  As we age, most of us will exerience a certain amount of spinal changes.  There really isn't much to be done about it other than physical therapy or eventually surgery.  You really don't want to go the surgical route unless the pain from your condition is so debilitating that you can't function.

Yes, physical therapy HURTS.  There's no way around it.  BUT, if you can stick with it for a few weeks, your muscles will start to take over the support of your body allowing your spine to take a break.  That means less pain.  It's really important to have at least a few sessions with a licensed therapist to make certain you use perfect form during exercise.  If you can find a facility that offers hydrotherapy - meaning exercises are done in a pool or spa - so much the better.  Removing gravity helps you get more out of your workout with less pain.