Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that causes the vertebrae in your spine to slip forward over the one below it. It may be caused by an injury or accident, but it can also occur from wear and tear over time.

This condition can affect anyone, but it’s more common in people who are older than 50 years old because the discs between the vertebrae start to break down over time. It’s also more likely to develop in people who have had previous spinal injuries, such as a broken back or neck.

Spondylolisthesis

What are the Common Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis?

The most common symptom of spondylolisthesis is lower back pain that worsens over time and gets worse after physical activity. Other symptoms include:

  • Pain in the buttock area
  • Pain in the lower back when bending forward or standing for long periods of time
  • Pain in the upper legs when walking, especially upstairs or on hills
  • Weakness on one side of your body or numbness/tingling in your leg
Spinal cord stimulator

Common Causes of Spondylolisthesis

While injuries are the most common cause of spondylolisthesis, there are other factors that can contribute to the condition. Some of these include:

  • Degenerative changes in the spine due to aging
  • Having an unusually small spinal canal or a defect in your vertebrae
  • Trauma to areas of your spine that are susceptible to injury
  • Aging causes bone and cartilage to weaken, making it more difficult for bones to support the weight
  • Congenital issues where a person is born with a defect in the spine that makes it more likely to develop spondylolisthesis

Known Treatments for Spondylolisthesis

The goal of treatment for spondylolisthesis is to strengthen abdominal and back muscles through physical therapy and exercises. If no other treatment options relieve your pain, surgery may be recommended. IF you need surgery, you must work with an experienced surgeon as this is a complex surgery.

Other treatments include:

Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Pain Medication
Rest
Wearing a Back Brace
Steroid Shots

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