There are many ways to treat spondylolisthesis. Introduction of anti-inflammatory painkillers or stronger may be required to help reduce the pain and inflammation.
If the above is of no use or not proactive enough then your doctor may recommend some physiotherapy, stretching out those hamstring and the lower back may really help strengthen and increase the motion in the back.
Another non-surgical method is corticosteroid injections. This will be used for patients who are suffering from symptoms of numbness, pain and tingling. The injection will be placed around the compressed nerve and into the spinal canal.
Surgery is the last resort. If the above non-surgical treatments are ineffective and the patient is still suffering with symptoms or the spondylolisthesis is severe and persistent, then your doctor may take you down this route. Another reason for surgical intervention would be because of a trauma like spinal damage.
What Symptoms Does Spondylolisthesis Cause?
Spondylolisthesis can carry quite common symptoms and which is why many people do not realise they have this condition. Although some people do not have any symptoms, here are the symptoms you may notice:
- Lower back pain
- Pain and/or weakness in one or both legs or thighs
- A tingling sensation that radiates from lower back down to the legs.
- Tenderness or stiffness in the back
- Tight hamstring and buttock muscles
- Excessive curving of the spine known as lordosis
- Difficulty walking or running
What are the Typical Causes of Spondylolisthesis?
Well, the causes do vary, some people are born with a defective vertebra and if no symptoms, it may not be identified until later in life. Other causes are more identifiable such as:
- Sports injury
- Degeneration (ageing or overuse)
- Sudden injury or trauma
Difference Between Spondylolisthesis and Slipped Disc
Spondylolisthesis is simply when a bone in the spine (vertebra) slips out of place, usually forwards relative the one below it. There is often a misconception that spondylolisthesis relates to or is a slipped disc, this is not true. A slipped disc is a rupture of the spinal disc between the vertebrae.
There are five major types of spondylolisthesis which are:
- Dysplastic spondylolisthesis ā a congenital defect where part of the vertebra called the facet causes it to slip forward.
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis ā a defect in the vertebra which can cause it to slip
- Degenerative spondylolisthesis ā due to ageing and arthritic changes in the joints
- Traumatic spondylolisthesis ā a sudden injury or trauma such as fracture to the spine
- Pathologic spondylolisthesis ā a weakness in the spine, possibly caused by a tumour or disease
Spondylolisthesis Specialist
