An individual with spondylolisthesis may never experience symptoms. This may seem odd, because the condition involves the slippage of one vertebra forward over the vertebra below it, and one might imagine all instances of spinal misalignment to be painful. However, a patient may only experience symptoms if the slipped vertebra compresses the spinal cord or a nerve root.

The Nervous System

To fully grasp how spondylolisthesis can cause neurological interference, it is helpful to have an idea of how the nervous system interacts with the spine. The nervous system is a communication network made up of cells called neurons. These cells transmit electrical impulses between each other and the brain. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and the spinal cord, while the peripheral system includes all the nerves in the body. The CNS gathers information from the peripheral nerves throughout the body, and transmits sensory and motor commands in return. For example, if a hand comes in contact with a hot stove, the nerves in the hand send messages to the brain about the temperature of the stove and that the heat is causing pain. Once the brain receives the messages, it activates the arm muscles with a lightning-quick command to move the hand away from the heat and the source of pain.

The Spine

When it comes to the spine, the vertebrae serve as bony protectors for the delicate spinal cord. Nerve roots branch off from the spinal cord and exit the stacked vertebrae through canals called foramen. A vertebra that has slipped out of place could pinch one of the nerve roots, or even compress the spinal cord. In an instance similar to a hand on a hot stove, the compressed neural structure sends pain messages to the brain. However, the brain cannot tell an affected vertebra to realign itself with the rest of the spine. Instead, the brain tells the nearby muscles to contract or spasm, in an effort to regain spinal stability. Inflammation-inducing proteins, which could further aggravate a pinched nerve and surrounding tissues, may also be released to provide an environment around the damaged area to ward off infection and promote healing. Spondylolisthesis symptoms caused by nerve compression might also include tingling, or a pins-and-needles feeling, muscle weakness and spasticity, and numbness that affects the extremities. When the slippage has occurred in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine, a patient may walk with a waddle, have an abnormal inward curvature of the lower back, and have a protruding belly.

Combating Symptoms

A doctor may suggest that a patient suffering from spondylolisthesis symptoms discontinue any activities that caused the condition to occur in the first place, such as participating in high-impact sports like football. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to relieve pain and reduce any swelling that may arise as a result of irritated tissues. Physical therapy and exercise are additional treatment methods often used for spondylolisthesis patients, particularly as a way to rehabilitate and strengthen core (abdominal and back) muscles to better support the spine. Some individuals may also find that alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic adjustments and massage, can help relieve symptoms.

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 the treatment of spondylolisthesis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spondylolisthesis