My 14-year old son is showing early promise as a golfer. His doctor diagnosed low back pain as spondylolysis. Could this be caused by golfing?

Spondylolysis is a fracture of the bone that holds the upper and lower facet joints of the spine together. The place where the separation occurs is called the pars interarticularis.

Research shows a direct link between strenuous, intense sports activities and spondylolysis. Doctors think fatigue fracture is the most likely cause of spondylolysis. Athletes between ages 5 and 15 are affected most often.

Early treatment is the key to healing this bone defect.