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…