Learn about the Non-surgical Treatment Methods for Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one of the vertebrae slips out of place onto the bone. Nonsurgical treatment modalities for effectively managing this spinal condition are discussed in this article. Spondylolisthesis is a condition used to describe vertebral slippage in any direction. This spinal condition that most frequently affects the lower vertebrae (spinal bones) is characterized by the displacement of one vertebra over another (above or below it), causing severe pain. If left untreated, this spinal condition can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Non-surgical spondylolisthesis treatment in Brooklyn pain management centers involves the use of several proven techniques to reduce pain and alleviate symptoms. Symptoms and Causes The signs and symptoms of spondylolisthesis differ from one person to another. People with mild spondylolisthesis may not experience any specific symptoms. In more severe cases, patients may not be able to perform even their routine activities. Some of the common symptoms include – Persistent lower back pain Difficulty walking or running Pain in the lower back or buttocks
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Pain that travels from the back down one or both legs Weakness in one or both legs Tight hamstrings and buttock muscles Excessive curvature of the spine (kyphosis) Stiffness in your back and legs The potential causes of this spinal condition may depend on factors like age, heredity and lifestyle habits. In some cases, people suffer from this condition due to some birth defect or injury that may not be identified until much later in life. Some of the other prominent causes include – fractures from injury, degeneration from overuse/aging, joint injury, tumors, surgery and injuries from sports. Identifying the exact causes can help physicians determine the type of spondylolisthesis a person suffers from and determine the best treatment modality for the same. Non-surgical Treatment Methods At a reliable multi-specialty healthcare center in Brooklyn, NYC an expert team of specialists comprising of neurologists, orthopedists, pain management doctors and rehabilitation specialists will evaluate the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination to comprehensively diagnose the condition. X-rays of the lower spine will be taken to look for possible bone fractures and to determine whether a vertebra is out of place. In some cases, physicians may conduct some additional imaging tests such as MRI scan and CT scan to find whether any misplaced bone is pressing on the nerves. The treatment for spondylolisthesis depends on the severity of the pain and the extent of vertebra slippage. Non-surgical treatments can help ease pain and push the bone back into its place. Some of the common non-surgical treatment modalities include –
✓ Taking adequate rest
– Taking adequate amount of rest for a short period of time and
avoiding activities such as bending, lifting, contact sports and athletics may help reduce symptoms. Wearing a back brace may also help reduce muscle spasm and pain.
✓ Medications – Pain medications such as acetaminophen and/or over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, and COX-2 inhibitors may be administered to reduce pain and inflammation in the area.
✓ Physical therapy
– Physical therapy exercises help a person build up core muscles. Simple
stretching and strengthening exercises help relieve pain, improve flexibility and range of motion.
✓ Steroid medications
– Epidural steroid medications administered around the compressed
nerve and into the spinal canal can lessen pain and inflammation.
✓ Chiropractic care
– Chiropractic manipulation performed by trained chiropractors helps
address the neurological causes of pain and restore normal joint function.
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For patients whose symptoms fail to improve with the above conservative treatment options, surgery may be considered as a last option. This option is normally reserved for severe cases where there is serious spinal damage and the vertebrae continue to slip or when the pain is intense. A surgical option can remove excessive bones or fuse the vertebrae back together. For those who experience pain, numbness, or other symptoms, it is important to discuss it with your physician. Early treatment measures can alleviate most symptoms of this condition. Most people can better manage their spondylolisthesis with a combination of therapies and medication.
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