Turns out, I have spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis. I like to combine the two conditions into one word, and call it spondidleyitis (spon-didle-ee-itis).
I'll provide a brief description below. Taken from this web site.
Spondylolysis is the medical term used to describe the presence of a "defect" or stress fracture in the posterior arch of the vertebra (see figure, arrow). It occurs at the lumbo-sacral junction (L5/S1) in about 85% of cases.
There is an increased incidence in people who take part in certain physical or sporting activities such as female gymnasts, fast bowlers in cricket, and weight lifters. These types of people are also more likely to experience symptoms due to this condition.
Spondylolisthesis is the term used to describe the presence of a spondylolysis where there has also been anterior translation of the vertebra with the lysis (usually L5), on the vertebra below (usually the sacrum).
The development of a spondylolysis which then goes on to a spondylolisthesis is usually associated with significant low back pain, but in most cases the situation will stabilise and pain will settle. It is only where severe pain persists, or features of nerve root irritation or compression develop that surgical intervention is indicated at this stage.
In a word, my L5 vertebra fractured and slid forward (I fit into the 85% category as described above). The fracture is old, and probably happened years ago (perhaps in High School), but I remain unsure how this happened since I am not a female gymnast, fast cricket bowler or weight lifter. :)
Okay... guess what? That's the good news. I'll post the bad news another day so this post doesn't bore you to death with medical terminology.
Teaser: I received an MRI, and the doctor who read the results came into the room and said, "I do this job day in and day out, and don't usually get surprised anymore... you surprised me!"
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