Spondylolisthesis treatment will depend entirely on what has caused the condition, which involves one vertebra slipping forward and over the vertebra beneath it. While posterior (backward) slippage is possible, it is not as common as anterior (forward ) displacement. In the case of fracture-related spondylolisthesis, the patient will likely need to undergo realignment and bracing so that the fracture can heal. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, which occurs due to aging, disc degeneration, spinal arthritis, and/or bone spur formation, can usually be treated conservatively, though manipulative realignment is generally not suggested for degenerative spondylolisthesis because it could cause damage to weakened areas of the spine surrounding the displaced vertebra.

Conservative Spondylolisthesis Treatment

Most patients will be able to manage their degenerative spondylolisthesis symptoms – pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, change of gait, hamstring tightness, and posture changes – with the following noninvasive treatments:

– Medication – Prescription or over-the-counter medication may help to relieve your symptoms. Ask your doctor about analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and oral steroids.

– Physical therapy – Since spondylolisthesis can produce problems with posture and muscle tightness, stretching and strength-building exercises may prove beneficial.

– Manual manipulation – Spondylolisthesis treatment in the form of chiropractic work can help you regain or retain facet joint mobility, though complete spinal realignment should be avoided.

– Epidural steroid injections – These will reduce inflammation and numb pain, which can be useful for both pain relief and diagnostic purposes.

– Hot/cold compresses – While ice can reduce inflammation and mitigate pain, a hot compress can help reduce muscle tightness in the lower back and legs.

Are Surgical Spondylolisthesis Treatment Options Available?

Spondylolisthesis surgery is available, but it will only be recommended in an extremely small percentage of cases. Because certain types of spine surgery can be highly invasive, patients should choose surgery as a last resort when all other conservative treatment options have failed and their symptoms become chronic and severe. An open spine operation for spondylolisthesis will likely involve hospitalization, general anesthesia, bone grafts, spinal fusion, stabilizing hardware, and an arduous rehabilitation. The aim will be to eliminate neural compression caused by the displaced vertebra and reduce future mobility in that area so that slippage doesn’t reoccur.

Minimally invasive surgery is available, but the efficacy of an endoscopic procedure will depend on the severity of the vertebra’s displacement. Mild to moderate slippage may be treated by widening the space around the vertebra by removing a portion of the lamina, or wall of the vertebral arch, so that nerves are no longer compressed. However, severe slippage (when 50 percent or more of the vertebra has shifted forward) will likely not improve with an endoscopic procedure.

Be Informed

Talk to your doctor about why he or she recommends surgery and whether all conservative treatment options have been tried. Never feel rushed into surgery and don’t be afraid to receive second, third, or fourth opinions about the need for surgery and which procedure is right for you. There are a variety of resources on the Internet that can help you find out more about your condition, its cause, and treatment options. Remember, educating yourself is important so that you can converse with doctors about the options available to you and have a full understanding of the risks and benefits associated with any procedure.

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