Spondylolysis Causes & Risks

Causes

Spondylolysis can be caused by:

A congenital defect in the spine (usually appears a few years after birth)
Acute trauma to the back
Chronic overextension (bending backwards) with or without sidebending of the back (common in certain sports and activities)
Hamstring tightness or muscle imbalance
Degenerative conditions of the spine
Cerebral palsy —less common

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the chance of spondylolysis:

Playing sports such as:
- Gymnastics
- Football, especially the offensive line
- Diving
- Wrestling
- Weightlifting
Improper athletic or exercise technique
Adolescent growth spurt

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