Spondylolisthesis of the neck is a very rare condition that can be the result of injury, spinal arthritis, or a congenital defect. It involves one of the seven cervical vertebrae slipping forward and over the vertebra beneath it, though it is unlikely to occur at the first or second vertebrae (C1 and C2) because these are connected by a synovial pivot joint. A fracture, however, is possible at the C2 vertebra, a condition that is sometimes referred to as a “hangman’s fracture.”

The most common of all the spondylolisthesis causes is natural degeneration that accompanies the aging process, primarily in individuals with facet disease or spinal arthritis. Years of wear and tear cause the cartilage surrounding the joints to deteriorate and bone spurs can develop in the joint space, which is actually the body’s attempt to stabilize the weakened spine. This is referred to as “facet remodeling,” but this can allow a vertebra to shift forward. Retro spondylolisthesis is also possible, which involves the vertebra shifting posteriorly (toward the back of the body) rather than anteriorly (toward the front of the body).

Common Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis in the Neck

Many people may have cervical spondylolisthesis and not even know it because the condition can be asymptomatic. If there is a mild displacement of the vertebra – Grade 1 and Grade 2 indicate that 50 percent or less of the bone is protruding forward or backward – it may not come into contact with nerves, the spinal cord, or the annular wall of the adjacent intervertebral disc. However, if the bone does press on any nerve structures or sensitive tissues, cervical spondylolisthesis symptoms may present. They will vary from person to person, but common forms of discomfort include pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, stiffness, or joint immobility in the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, hands, and/or feet.

Treating Spondylolisthesis in the Neck

Cervical spondylolisthesis can almost always be treated with a regimen of noninvasive treatment. While the vertebra may not shift back into place, it is possible to manage symptoms and relieve neural compression as much as possible. Common conservative treatments include pain medication (acetaminophen, oral steroids, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), hot/cold compresses, physical therapy, and rest. Some patients have also found relief from gentle stretching, chiropractic manipulation, epidural steroid injections, acupuncture, and massage. You should never attempt any course of treatment before consulting with your doctor, and it may take time to establish a treatment schedule that works for you, so be prepared to undergo some degree of trial and error.

Is Surgery Necessary?

Devoting yourself to a consistent course of conservative treatment is important not only to relieve pain, but also to prevent a worsening of the condition that could ultimately merit surgery. While there are surgeries available for spondylolisthesis in the neck, they should only be considered as last resorts once months of non-operative treatments have failed. Your doctor can tell you more about the risks and benefits of surgery, though it would be in your best interest to get opinions from several spine specialists before making a decision. Most importantly, you should never feel pressured into any type of surgery and should only consent to a procedure once you’ve educated yourself and feel confident with your choice.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spondylolisthesis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Spondylolisthesis