Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis treatment is determined based on the type of spinal condition you are diagnosed with, the grade level assigned, and the severity of your symptoms. Spondylolisthesis treatment consists of non-surgical treatment, prevention, and surgery.

Non-Surgical Spondylolisthesis Treatment

• Medications – Acetaminophen can be prescribed for pain. NSAIDS’s and/or oral steroids can be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
• Heat and/or Ice – Heat or ice helps to reduce localized pain. Ice is recommended to relieve pain or discomfort right after an activity. Heat is recommended to relax your muscles, which can help to promote blood flow and healing.
• Physical Therapy – Stretching is the best form of physical therapy. Stretching your hamstrings twice a day can alleviate stress on your lower back. Make sure each movement you make is controlled, but gradually increases.
• Manual Manipulation – Chiropractic manipulation can possibly help to reduce pain by mobilizing joint dysfunction. It is extremely important that you contact a trained health professional.

continue reading…

Spondylolisthesis symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. They can range from mild to severe. It is possible that a person will not experience spondylolisthesis symptoms at all and only discover this condition in an X-ray due to an unrelated health issue.

Spondylolisthesis Symptoms Based on Grade

The slippage of the vertebra over the disc below is measured by a grade scale. This scale measures in grades from one to five. One is the least amount of slippage, while five is the greatest amount. The higher the grade level diagnosed, the more severe the symptoms will likely be.

continue reading…

Spondylolisthesis surgery is only recommended if all alternative treatments are found as ineffective, symptoms progress, and/or pain is so extreme that it significantly disrupts quality of life. Generally, non-surgical procedures are sufficient at relieving the symptoms of spondylolisthesis; however, there are times when spondylolisthesis surgery is necessary.

Factors for Spondylolisthesis Surgery

• Age
• Grade (level) of spondylolisthesis
• Overall health
• Neurological deficit (weakness or numbness and/or bowel or bladder dysfunction)
• Spinal curvature or deformity
• Nerve root entrapment or compression radicular pain
• Risk factors for failure of bones to fuse (pseudarthrosis)

continue reading…

The medical spondylolisthesis definition gives a basic description of this condition. While this is an accurate explanation, it is important to be aware of the more in depth spondylolisthesis definition that consists of understanding the different types and grades.

Basic Spondylolisthesis Definition

The medical definition of spondylolisthesis can be explained by looking at the word itself. Dividing up the word into two parts is a simple way to remember the basic spondylolisthesis definition.

Spondylo is the first part and means spine. Listhesis is the second part, which means slippage. When you put these two parts together, the basic spondylolisthesis definition is a forward slippage or displacement of a vertebra over the lower segment. It is generally the fourth or fifth lumbar section of your spine.

continue reading…

Lumbar spondylolisthesis alters the alignment of your spine. In a normal spine, the bones of your spine stack on top of one another neatly. Lumbar spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one bone slips forward on top of the bottom one. When it slips, tissues and nerves nearby can become irritated causing pain.

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis vs. Cervical Spondylolisthesis

There is a difference between lumbar and cervical spondylolisthesis. The difference is the location of which the condition is present. When this condition affects the lumbar section of your spine, it is targeting your lower spine. When it affects the cervical section, it is targeting the upper section of your spine.

continue reading…

Isthmic spondylolisthesis is one of the six common types of this spinal condition. This particular type is present in a child (approximately 5 to 7 years of age); however, the symptoms do not typically develop until adulthood.

Isthmic Spondylolisthesis Definition

This condition occurs in the pars interarticularis part of your spine, which is a narrow area (isthmus) between the upper and lower articular processes. Isthmic spondylolisthesis is caused by healed or unhealed stress fractures that are surrounded by fibrous tissues. It occurs when the vertebra slips forward over the lower vertebra over a period of time.

continue reading…

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is one of six types of this spinal condition. It occurs as a result of the general aging process; therefore, it is more often seen in the elderly than in young adults. While it is common for people over 50, it is even more likely to be seen in people over 65. Females will develop degenerative spondylolisthesis over males.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Definition

This is a spinal condition where a vertebra slips forward over the one below it. As your body ages, your bones, ligaments, and joints in the spine tend to become weak and are sometimes not able to support the spinal column in alignment.

This condition will usually occur in either the L4-L5 level of your lower spine, which is the most common location. It can also be present at the L3-L4 level. While it is a possibility that degenerative spondylolisthesis can be present in other levels, it is rare.

continue reading…