Re: SPONDYLOSIS AND SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

In Reply to: Re: SPONDYLOSIS AND SPONDYLOLISTHESIS posted by Rich on February 15, 2000 at 18:04:37:

: : Hi Judy,
: My name is Richard and I was diagnosed with the same problems late in my teens. I was tall, trim and loved sports too. The problem was I was so fragile (in the joints) that I was always getting injured. I am now in my mid-50's and have learned to live with the resulting problems this brings you. There are many potential causes that could lead to this diagnosis. However, it is less common in kids and teens. It is so very hard to get good information on these problems. I'll relay a brief outline of my personal findings as there will likely be relavency to your son. My condition is a connective tissue disorder that causes the tendons and ligaments to be fragile, causing excessive wear on the joint linings, injuries to joints, and the partial dislocation of areas in the spine and shoulders. I can give you Websites that can supply medical info about these conditions. It is serious, it's systemic, and there are definitely things you can do to help or hinder the condition. The basic thing to remember is that it is a degenerative condition that you need to take care of. Listen to your body when it hurts (don't be too macho!), learn to stay on balance (body mechanics...like picking things up properly but more...how you sit, get up, etc). I agree with you on surgery, a very last resort! Any medical history helps. Types of injuries, any problems with other joints (shoulders or hips), fagile skin (easy to cut, bruise, swell, or psoriasis), does he have corrective lenses, heart murmer (MVP), and general health? If you'd like more info, just let me know.
: Good luck,
: Rich