Also known as a stress fracture or ‘pars defect’, this injury is common in sports involving repeated hyper-extension (bending back) and rotation (twisting) such as gymnastics, bowling (cricket), judo, rugby and throwing sports.

The rear portion of each vertebra in the low back is vulnerable to fracture due to a weakness in this part of the bone. It is particularly common in adolescents that are training intensely.

Spondylosis is usually characterised by pain during and after sporting activities, arching backwards and pain relieved by rest.

X-rays confirm this fracture.

Although 6 weeks rest is usually recommended for this injury, Osteopathy can help by reducing the mechanical load in the injured area while also focusing on improving the strength of the low back and abdominal area.