Did you know gymnasts put more stress on their spine than many athletes in other sports?  This is due to  the extreme flexibility, and repeated extension (bending backwards) of the spine, required to perform many of the moves. Many gymnasts often develop an injury called Spondylolysis, when a small fracture on either one, or both sides of the spine occurs. This is due to the increase in stress, on the bones of the small joints, that hold the different levels of the spine together. The symptoms of Spondylolysis are low back pain, pain when you extend or  over extend your back, pain if you stand on one leg, and muscle stiffness.  Early recognition is key, because if untreated this condition can turn into Spondylolisthesis, where a level of the spine can shift forward, sometimes causing serious complications, and may even require surgery. To learn about this condition or for proper treatment, stop in to Hands On Physical Therapy.