Spondylolysis (spon-dee-low-lye-sis) and Spondylolisthesis (spon-dee-low-lis-thee-sis) are the most common causes of lower back pain in young people.  Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis refer to two different conditions in the lumbar spine which is situated in the lower back. However, both cause pain in the lower back vertebrae.

Spondylolisthesis is when one vertebra slips out of place over the vertebra below.

Spondylolysis is a crack or stress fracture in one of the lower back vertebrae. Spondylolysis can cause spondylolisthesis if the cracked or fractured vertebra slips out of place or cause the vertebrae above or below to slip out of place.

 Anyone can develop both Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis. However, they are more likely to occur in young people who participate in sports such as gymnastics, football, and weight lifting.  This is mainly due to the stress these sports place on the lower back due to exaggerated back extension (bending backwards) while the kids bones are still growing, especially during a growth spurt.

A lot of people including children have Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis and are unaware they have it as both these conditions do not have any obvious symptoms.