Learn about Spondylolisthesis
Spinal injuries and ailments have been the leading cause of mobility issues in people of all ages. No matter if they occur due to an injury or due to a degenerative cause, the condition may cause a painful and traumatizing experience for the patient.
One such condition is spondylolisthesis which is a spinal ailment affecting the lower vertebrae of the spine. It leads to the slipping forward of the lower vertebrae into the bones underneath them. This leads to a painful sensation. Although the condition is treatable with major therapeutic and surgical interventions, it does affects the mobility of the individuals. Spondylolysis is frequently a forerunner to spondylolisthesis. It can happen when a fracture occurs in the vertebra but does not affect the lower bone. The major symptoms of the condition may vary from person to person. But the persistence in the lower back pain, stiffness of the spine and legs, and tenderness is common.
Many studies have been published to highlight the major causes of spondylolisthesis. Sone variables include age, gender, heredity factors, and lifestyle. While people of all ages are very much susceptible to the disease, it is noted that it can be a birth defect as well. The increase in growth hormones during adolescence are also known to be one of the major contributing factor in this disease. The other leading factors include the increased incidence of playing sports that can lead to increased strain and stretching of the lower back. Football, gymnastics and weightlifting are some of the sports which can lead to spondylolisthesis. While the body is still under stress, the best way to deal with this is having proper exercise techniques to be employed on the spine for relieving the stress.
In order to diagnose the spondylolisthesis, Dr. Nordt will conduct a full spine physical exam. Most patients who have spondylolisthesis have issues and trouble raising their leg doing the simple exercises. X-rays of the lower spine can he helpful in ascertaining the placement of the vertebra. Only if necessary, other imaging like a CT scan or MRI can also be ordered for this purpose.
In order to effectively treat spondylolisthesis, the severity of the pain has to be assessed. The nonsurgical treatments are always the first line of treatment. However it is necessary to avoid playing sports in the course of the healing process. Physical therapy and taking over the counter medications are suggested first. If, in fact, this doesn’t work over three or four weeks, Dr. Nordt may put a patient on a course of steroids. Dexamethazone, four milligrams, four times a day for two days, three a day for two days, two a day and one a day for two days for a total of eight days.
Since people are very reluctant to get surgery, the non-surgical approach is mostly preferred. In more severe cases, a patient diagnosed with severe spondylolisthesis may need a surgery called spinal fusion. This procedure is a last resort for patients who are not responding to nonsurgical therapies. Surgery is considered if the spinal bones are putting pressure on the spinal nerves.
Patients will need stabilization and rehabilitation following a Spine Fusion which involves placing bone grafts and metal rods.
Dr. Nordt will work closely with the patient to ensure a full recovery.
If a Neurosurgeon or Spine Surgeon has diagnosed you with Spondylolisthesis and wants to schedule surgery, it’s critical you get a second opinion to avoid an unnecessary surgery.
Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Nordt by calling the office or completing the contact form.
