The vertebral column is made up of thirty-three individual vertebra — they are grouped into seven cervical (neck), twelve thoracic (upper back), five lumbar (low back), and five sacral (fused to form part of the pelvis) and four coccygeal bones (also fused, form the tailbone). The column is flexible to aid mobility. It provides bony protection to the delicate spinal cord.

A degenerative defect in the vertebral arch is called spondylolysis. It may result in a stress fracture. If the bony parts separate, one vertebra will slip forwards in relation to the one below it, this is known as spondylolisthesis. This is most common at the junction between the lumbar and sacral spines (L5/S1).

• Pain and tenderness unilaterally in the low back, generally an aching pain.
• Pain may radiate into the buttock.
• Pain is aggravated by activities involving low back extension.
• There may be an exaggerated curve in the low back.
• Sometimes a step-off notch can be felt in the spine

Under the direction of your medical professional and in conjunction with your advised treatment plan, either of the following Thermoskin products is recommended: