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Note: The answers given here are for the purpose of providing general information regarding spine treatment. They are not intended to replace evaluation and treatment by your physician. If you have questions regarding your specific spine condition, we advise you to see a physician.

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Subject: Spondylolisthesis in a 16 Year Old

Question: Hi. I am a 16 year old female and was diagnosed with L4-5 spondylolisthesis with bilateral pars defects (Grade 1). I am a very competitive soccer player and have the chance to play Division 1 soccer in college. I am also an avid runner and unfortunately whether it be on the field or out running on my own, I have back pain radiating into my butt. I do not want to have my back fused and will deal with the pain if I have no other options at all, because I'm going to keep playing. Recently though, I read about spinal injections as a possible option for relieving my pain. My question is: Are there any age limits on the typical injection procedures performed for my condition? My doctor in town told me that I need to contact you to find out if you perform them on kids my age. Also, what type of injections and/or procedures do you perform for spondylolisthesis (ex. neurotomy, facet joint injections, etc.). Can all of these be performed on someone my age without much risk involved? If not, which can be?

Answer: Your age is not a reason to avoid one or two injections, but they only last a few weeks to a few months at best. You need to return to your doctors to discuss this.

The type of injections depends on the source of the pain. Although you have a spondylolisthesis, the pain can arise from the disc at that level, a disc above it, or spinal stenosis, but it is not likely to be from the facet joint. We would do either a midline epidural or a transformaminal epidural.

Yes they can be done on a teenager. The risk is doing too many injections, but the number best for you would depend on how good a respose you get and the duration of the response.

You are not doing damage to your spine if you run. If you can tolerate the pain, do it. If you cannot, then you need to be fused.

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