What is spondylolysis?
Big word huh? Don't worry. It's merely a stress fracture to the back. This hard tissue injuries is common among children, and adolescence. As the body is still developing at these ages, the spine is not fully formed and thus is prone to stress fractures due to stress and overuse. This injury can be classified in four ways:
1. Dysplastic - born with spondyloysis
2. Isthmic - stress fracture from sport
3. Degenerative - arthritis related
4. Traumatic - caused through trauma to the spine
Usually, stress fractures occur indirectly, as the spine is placed under a load that is greater than usually experienced or when hyperextension occurs or through excess rotation. Spondylolysis can lead to spondylolisthesis which is when spondylolysis deteriorates and the vertebrae moves forward/out of place.
1. Dysplastic - born with spondyloysis
2. Isthmic - stress fracture from sport
3. Degenerative - arthritis related
4. Traumatic - caused through trauma to the spine
Usually, stress fractures occur indirectly, as the spine is placed under a load that is greater than usually experienced or when hyperextension occurs or through excess rotation. Spondylolysis can lead to spondylolisthesis which is when spondylolysis deteriorates and the vertebrae moves forward/out of place.
How does it affect softball players?
When a catcher goes down into the squat position to catch the ball pitched by the pitcher, their back is put under stress and is moved in a way that can cause sponylolysis. Being in the squat position and adjusting to the quick change in pitches can cause stress on the spine and on the catcher themselves. Throwing from a position where one is on their knees places more stress on the back as it must produce the force the hips and legs cannot to perform a powerful throw. This is a common way in which catchers throw back to the pitcher or even to bases as it requires less movement, resulting in a quicker release. However, if the catcher throws the ball in such a way that causes over rotation, then spondylolysis can occur.