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Spondylolysis is a stress fracture or weakness in one of the bridges that connects the upper and lower facet joints. This fracture can happen at any level of the spine, but most commonly occurs at the fourth (L4) or fifth (L5) lumbar vertebra.
If spondylolysis is present, then you have the potential to develop spondylolisthesis. If the fracture or weakness causes the vertebrae to slip forward out of their normal position, you develop spondylolisthesis.
The key to success in a case involving back or neck pain is to document the extent of the condition. This means you must consult your doctor and get treatment for the condition - even if you do not believe the treatment will actually offer a cure.
Whether or not you have already had spinal fusion surgery, medical evidence of any limits in your range of motion or restrictions in your ability to lift, carry, stand, walk, or sit can be very beneficial to your case.
At Access Disability Advocates, we have experience working with your medical providers to help ensure that your disability is properly documented for the SSA and working with doctors to help them understand how forms commonly used by the SSA such as medical source statements should be filled out to appropriately summarize your medical record.
What is the Difference Between Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolysis (spon-dee-low-lye-sis) and spondylolisthesis (spon-dee-low-lis-thee-sis) are separate, yet related conditions. Both conditions affect the joints of the spine that help keep the vertebrae aligned on top of each other.Spondylolysis is a stress fracture or weakness in one of the bridges that connects the upper and lower facet joints. This fracture can happen at any level of the spine, but most commonly occurs at the fourth (L4) or fifth (L5) lumbar vertebra.
If spondylolysis is present, then you have the potential to develop spondylolisthesis. If the fracture or weakness causes the vertebrae to slip forward out of their normal position, you develop spondylolisthesis.
Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis and Social Security
The Social Security Administration (SSA) covers both Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis in the listings under nerve root compression and it is important to have medical evidence demonstrating limited range of motion, pain, and sensory, motor, and reflex abnormalities such as numbness or tingling in the extremities and muscle weakness.The key to success in a case involving back or neck pain is to document the extent of the condition. This means you must consult your doctor and get treatment for the condition - even if you do not believe the treatment will actually offer a cure.
Whether or not you have already had spinal fusion surgery, medical evidence of any limits in your range of motion or restrictions in your ability to lift, carry, stand, walk, or sit can be very beneficial to your case.
At Access Disability Advocates, we have experience working with your medical providers to help ensure that your disability is properly documented for the SSA and working with doctors to help them understand how forms commonly used by the SSA such as medical source statements should be filled out to appropriately summarize your medical record.