Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that often causes lower back pain. It occurs when one of your vertebrae, the bones of your spine, slips or slides out of place and onto the vertebra below it. This may occur anywhere along the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine). In some people, this condition causes no symptoms at all. Others may have back and leg pain that ranges from mild to severe.
Doctors commonly describe Spondylolisthesis as either low-grade or high-grade, depending upon the extent of the shift. Patients with high-grade Spondylolisthesis are more likely to experience significant pain and nerve injury and are often candidates for surgery to relieve their symptoms and prevent further deterioration.
Approximately 4% to 6% of the adult population have spondylolisthesis but are asymptomatic. Degenerative spondylolisthesis (which occurs due to aging and wear and tear on the spine at L4) is more common after the age of 50 and more common in women than men.
Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
In adults, Spondylolisthesis is usually the result of abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones from conditions such as arthritis, but it may also be a result of trauma from an accident or injury or a fracture, tumor, or bone abnormality. In children and adolescents, Spondylolisthesis typically occurs at L5 (the last lumbar vertebrae) from repetitive hyperextension of the low back. Young athletes that are more susceptible to having this occur are gymnasts, dancers, cheerleaders, and lineman in football. Some symptoms include:
- leg, buttock, or lower back pain
- weakness with prolonged standing
- numbness, stiffness, or tingling
- difficulty walking or bending over
- altered posture or gait
Treatments for Spondylolisthesis
- Rest or take a break from activities that exacerbate your discomfort.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
- Use a lumbopelvic brace, as it provides stabilization to an area in need of more support. Lumbopelvic braces are also designed to prevent back injuries during various activities and relieve muscle aches, disc herniation, sciatica, scoliosis, and more.
- Physical therapy can be one of the most effective ways to treat spondylolisthesis. Techniques that focus on core stability and range of motion can help to strengthen the spinal muscles.
- Get a deep-tissue massage.
- Try TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) – Vaida Wellness has a unit you can rent.
- Apply heat and/or ice or a combination of both.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Individuals With Spondylolisthesis
Getting specific chiropractic adjustments for Spondylolisthesis can help move the vertebra back into proper alignment, which takes the pressure off of nerve roots and soft tissue that can become irritated and inflamed, causing you pain and discomfort.
Schedule a visit for chiropractic care at Vaida, and let Dr. Lydia and Dr. Rachael help you get to the root cause of your Spondylolisthesis while strengthening your spinal muscles and creating an optimal range of motion and function.