Neuro Spine Care

Spondylolisthesis Treatment

Spondylolisthesis is a condition of the spine. It happens when one of your vertebrae moves more than it should and slips out of place. It usually happens at the base of the spine. When the slipped vertebra puts pressure on a nerve, it can cause pain in your lower back or legs.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SPONDYLOLISTHESIS︖

Types of Spondylolisthesis include:

Congenital Spondylolisthesis occurs when a baby’s spine doesn’t form the way it should before birth. The misaligned vertebrae put the person at risk for slippage later in life.
Isthmic Spondylolisthesis:The spine condition called isthmic Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebral body slips forward on the one below it because of a small fracture in a piece of bone that connects the two joints on the backside of the spinal segment.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis, the most common type, happens due to ageing. Over time, the disks surrounding the vertebrae lose water. Thin disks are more likely to slip out of place.
Traumatic Spondylolisthesis happens when an injury causes vertebrae to slip.
Pathological Spondylolisthesis occurs when a disease, such as osteoporosis or a tumor causes the condition.
Post-surgical Spondylolisthesis is slippage as a result of spinal surgery.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis generally go unnoticed and can be confused with general back pain. Following are some of the signs which can indicate the development of Spondylolisthesis :

Lower back pain
Muscle tightness and stiffness
Pain in the buttocks
Pain spreading down the legs (due to pressure on nerve roots)
Pain that gets worse with activity
Tight hamstrings
Trouble standing or walking

If you notice severe pain, you are advised to meet your doctor immediately.

CAUSES

Causes of Spondylolisthesis vary based on age, heredity, and lifestyle. Children may suffer from this condition as a result of a birth defect or injury. However, people of all ages are susceptible if the condition runs in the family. Rapid growth during adolescence may also be a contributing factor. Playing sports and staining physical activities can also put stress on the lower back.

WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF SPONDYLOLISTHESIS︖

Following measures should be considered to reduce your risk of Spondylolisthesis:

Do regular exercises for strong back and abdominal muscles.
Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts added stress on your lower back.
Eat a well-balanced diet to keep your bones well-nourished and strong.

DIAGNOSIS

Your surgeon will diagnose Spondylolisthesis by assessing several factors, including family history, medical history, and performing several physical tests that include :

X-ray
CT scan or MRI scan

TREATMENT

Spondylolisthesis is treated with the strengthening of supportive abdominal and back muscles through physical therapy. Treatment may include:

Rest
Anti-inflammatory medicines, including ibuprofen or naproxen
Steroid shots
Physical therapy
Bracing

If you have tried non-surgical treatments but still have symptoms and experience severe pain, depending upon the severity of cases, the doctors will perform the surgery with the aid of the latest technology.

Sometimes, Spondylolisthesis comes back a second time. This happens more often when the Spondylolisthesis is of a higher grade. If you’ve had surgery for Spondylolisthesis, you’ll most likely do well. Most people get back to normal activities within a few months of surgery. But your spine won’t be as flexible as it was before.

At Adam Vital, our hands-on, holistic approach, combined with the qualifications and experience of our internationally trained professionals and the latest technology and equipment will put you on the path to recovery and overall wellbeing.