Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of your vertebrae slips out of position affecting the vertebra below it. The condition is not that rare, and it mainly affects the lower part of the spine, causing lower back pain. However, sometimes it can occur in the middle and upper section, leading to middle and upper back pain, neck pain, and other symptoms.
The symptoms of spondylolisthesis and their severity varies from person to person. However, it is vital to get adequate treatment to prevent further degradation and the development of chronic pain.
Read on to discover the best spondylolisthesis treatments and how they can eliminate neck and back pain for people with this condition.
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a medical condition characterized by the slippage of one vertebra over the one below it. Vertebrae are the bones of your spine that give your body support and protect the spinal cord.
When a vertebra slips out of place, it can damage nearby tissues and pinch nerves, causing all kinds of symptoms. That includes:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Back stiffness
- Pain when bending over
- Leg weakness
- Numbness or tingling sensations in lower extremities
- Muscle spasms in the hamstrings
- Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods
However, sometimes spondylolisthesis comes without any symptoms, or they develop if the condition deteriorates. Seeking adequate medical help is vital for long-term pain relief.
What Are the Best Spondylolisthesis Treatments?
A typical spondylolisthesis treatment depends on the current spine condition and specific patient needs. Before making a treatment plan, your doctor needs to do a physical exam, spinal X-rays, and other imaging scans to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the exact positions of your vertebrae.
Your treatment may include rest, physical therapy, medication, chiropractic care, and surgery.
Medication
Your doctor will typically prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen to relieve your pain. Sometimes, they can recommend steroid injections, which help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area.
Keep in mind that medication is only a temporary solution, and to achieve long-term pain relief, you need to address the cause of this condition.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an excellent way to strengthen your core and back muscles, which should help you reduce pain. In addition, physical therapy improves your flexibility and reduces back stiffness.
Staying active is vital for proper recovery, as it improves blood flow and regeneration. That’s why physical therapy is an integral part of any spondylolisthesis treatment.
Surgery
If you experience severe pain or other non-surgical methods don’t seem to produce any relief, you may be a good candidate for surgery. The surgeons typically remove a part of the bone and disc, making more room for nerves. The procedure is called spinal decompression, and it has a high success rate.
Is There an Alternative to Surgery?
Alternative treatments can help you get rid of neck and back pain caused by spondylolisthesis. That includes chiropractic adjustments, decompression therapy, massage therapy, and other chiropractic care options that avoid invasive medical measures.
You can get the best plan and treatment at the Spring Chiropractic & Rehab, where an experienced chiropractic team led by Dr. Scott Bolz helps people get rid of their pain. Click here to learn how you can make an appointment.