Question
:
My doctor
said I have an l5 stress fracture on December 24th and said I have
to take a month off from all physical activities.
It's
been a month and my back feels better than ever.
Can I
return to hockey, wrestling, football, and gymnastics or should I
wait longer?
I got
the l5 stress fracture from a severe back bend in wrestling.
How long
does a typical stress fracture take to heal?
Matt
Answer:
Dear
Matt,
Patients
should be warned that symptom resolution of a L-5 stress fracture
may take 2 to 3 months of activity limitation.
A 2005
study clearly demonstrated the importance of activity limitation in
determining good outcomes in spondylolysis.
Modification
of activities especially avoiding hyperextension along with physical
therapy and possibly a lumbosacral orthosis have a long rate of success.
You can
find more information regarding your question at:
How
long does a L5 stress fracture take to heal?
