SPONDYLOSIS

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Spondylosis is a condition of degenerative changes in the spine. Spondylosis can progress into spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one vertebra over another vertebra. This can occur in three different ways: forward (anterolistheis), backward (retrolistheis), or sideways (laterlistheis). Symptoms of spondylosis and spondylistotheisis are back pain, sciatica, numbness, difficulty walking, and burning sensations.

Spondylosis is most commonly caused by degenerative disc disease. It can also occur due to weakened ligaments in the lower part of the spine. The most common area for spondylolisthesis is L4-L5. Laminectomy, a surgical procedure to remove part of the lamina, is preformed to help relieve nerve impingement.

CLAY SHOVELER'S FRACTURE

A Clay Shoveler fracture is an uncommon avulsion fracture of the spinous processes, usually of c-7 or t-1. This fracture is caused by a sudden load on a flexed spine when the arms are extended. Shoveling heavy loads in rapid succession places the body in the perfect position for this to occur.

Clay Shoveler’s fracture causes a burning “knife” like pain in the upper back between the shoulder blades. The severity of the fracture determines treatment course. Often times no treatment is required and the fracture heals on its own. Pain medications and physical therapy are most common when treatment is necessary. In severe cases surgery is preformed to remove the tips of the spinous processes of the affect vertebra.