Only a doctor can make a spondylolisthesis diagnosis and you should never try to diagnose and treat yourself, as you may end up doing more harm than good. You can help your doctor arrive at an accurate diagnosis by describing your symptoms as accurately as possible, noting the location, frequency, and severity of your discomfort.

If any type of spine condition, such as spondylolisthesis, herniated disc, bulging disc, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis, is suspected of causing your back pain, some type of diagnostic imaging may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint its exact location. MRIs and CT scans are common diagnostic imaging techniques because they provide detailed images of the body’s structures. While an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is generally considered more accurate and does not require ionizing radiation, CT scans are preferable in instances where a patient has a pacemaker, metal implants, or other conditions that make magnetic imaging impossible.

The Meyerding Grading System for Spondylolisthesis

A confirmation that anterior (front) or posterior (back) vertebral slippage is causing your spine pain is only one part of making a spondylolisthesis diagnosis. The doctor must also confirm the exact location of slippage, how severe the condition is, what has caused the condition, and if it appears to be progressive. The Meyerding Grading System is a commonly used scale to categorize the varying degrees of spondylolisthesis:

– Grade 1 – Less than 25 percent of the disc has slipped forward
– Grade 2 – 25-50 percent slippage
– Grade 3 – 51-75 percent slippage
– Grade 4 – 76-100 percent slippage

Additional Techniques for Diagnosing Spondylolisthesis

In addition to diagnostic imaging, a doctor will also perform a physical examination when trying to make a spondylolisthesis diagnosis. He or she will likely palpate the spine to check for areas of tenderness or swelling. The patient may be asked to perform several motions so that the doctor can observe flexibility, reflexes, range of motion, and gait. Since the lower back (lumbar spine) is the most common site of spondylolisthesis, close attention will be paid to feelings of pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the buttocks, hips, legs, feet, and toes.

Treatment Options

In the event that your doctor makes a positive spondylolisthesis diagnosis, he or she will likely recommend a series of noninvasive treatments, such as physical therapy, pain medication, hot/cold compresses, and periods of rest. Only a very small number of individuals will require surgery to treat their spondylolisthesis, and only in severe cases that cause seriously debilitating symptoms. Standard surgical procedures usually involve fusing the shifted vertebra with the adjacent vertebra to form a solid segment of bone. Not only is this procedure highly invasive, but the patient loses a large amount of mobility in the lower back, which can prevent them from returning to a full range of activities. Endoscopic procedures are available and may be the right choice for patients seeking a minimally invasive, outpatient alternative to open spine spondylolisthesis surgery. Make sure that you ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of each type, and never jump into a decision about surgery. Educate yourself, do research, and make an informed choice that you feel will positively impact your quality of life.

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