
What Causes Lower Back Pain After Injury?

My son was just diagnosed with grade 1 retrolisthesis of L3, 4, 5 and S1. He was injured in football last Friday and was complaining of back pain so I took him to his paediatrician. She has now referred us to an Ortho doc which will take about 3 months to see. My question is.... How serious is this condition and can he continue to play football?
Posterior displacement of the vertebra
Detailed Answer:
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You son was diagnosed this past week with retrolisthesis of L3,4,5 and S1 vertebra. This is dislocation of the vertebra backwards and was probably caused by football injuries. This is not usually something that requires surgery. He should get physical therapy to help strengthen his core muscles and help prevent further injury. As a parent and as a doctor I would not recommend your child return to football as this would only exacerbate the dislocation and cause more pain and injury.
In summary
1. retrolisthesis is backward dislocation of the vertebra
2. not surgically correctable
3. Need physical therapy
4. stop contact sports
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

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