Bulge around L1 vertebrae - feels like L1 is pushed out a little

[tofubob]

If you run your fingers down my spine you can feel a bulge right about the L1 vertebrae. I was playing volleyball friday and by the time I was done, my back was in severe pain. I had dropped to the floor to get a ball and it felt like my spine compressed in the areas of the bulge. From that instance forward, I had pain when I would bend forward with a slight arched back (to bump the volleyball), bend my torso to the left side, or getting out of the car. I would also get some pretty good bouts of pain from just sitting. Just walking would hurt if my torso swayed off center. When I slept that night, I was woken up by the pain, especially if I went to turn from back to stomach. The pain has gradually decreased since saturday to where I have full range of movement. The bulge has been there for a long time. It didn't just appear. Also, I don't have numbness in any extremities. Periodically, in times of high stress I get pain in my sacrum region. Any ideas?

[Maria RN]

Hi Bob. Sorry to hear about your discomfort. I suggest that you consult your own doctor. Physical examination and imaging procedures are very important in determining the underlying cause of your symptoms. One possible cause of tenderness and irregularities in bony alignment is a condition known as spondylolisthesis. Aside from irregularities felt during palpation, a person with spondylolisthesis may also complain of back pain when the lumbar area is hyperextended or flexed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spondylolisthesis