Get Treatment For Spondylolisthesis

When one vertebra slips forward on the adjacent vertebrae spondylolisthesis occurs. The condition can be hereditary, or the result of spinal degeneration. It causes a gradual deformity of the lower spine and the narrowing of the vertebral canal, and may also cause back and leg pain.

Spondylolisthesis Surgical Procedures Performed at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital

Surgical procedures as treatment of spondylolisthesis include:

• Spinal decompression
• Spinal fusion

Both procedures can be performed separately too, but in spondylolisthesis, they are often performed in one operating session. It has been proven over the course of time that, depending on the severity of the condition, greater spine stability can be achieved by such a combination.

Spinal fusion performed by the surgeons at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Hospital can be divided into three big types, depending on the approach to the vertebral fusion:

• ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
• PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
• TLIF (Transforaminal Interbody Fusion)

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion »

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion »

Spinal decompression »

Transforaminal Interbody Fusion »

All types of surgical techniques listed above can be performed through minimally invasive approach. It is not rare that for spondylolisthesis surgery operating medical specialists choose to apply a combination of minimally invasive and open surgical procedures.

Drugs and Other Treatment Needed for Spondylolisthesis

For patients without signs of nerve compression or other neurologic impairment, the treatment consists of medication and physical therapy. Bracing and epidural injections can be recommended.

Spinal bracing »

Prescription medication »

Active physical
therapy treatment »

Over-the-counter medication »

Spinal injection »

Passive physical
therapy treatment »

There are two main types of spondylolisthesis:

• Isthmic or spondylolytic
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis

Isthmic or
spondylolytic spondylolisthesi »

Degenerative spondylolisthesis »

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis

Low back pain is the most common symptom of spondylolisthesis. Spondylolysis cand be developed between the ages of 5-7 and not present symptoms until much later in life, when a sudden twisting or lifting motion can cause an acute episode.

In addition to the pain in the lower back patients can also experience leg pain. A lot of spondylolisthesis patients can have vague symptoms and very little deformity that is visible. Often, the first physical sign of spondylolisthesis is tightness of the hamstring muscles in the legs. Only when the slip reaches more than 50 percent of the width of the vertebral body will there begin to be a visible deformity of the spine. There may be a dimple at the site of the abnormality. Sometimes there are mild muscle spasms and usually some local tendernesscan be felt in the area. Range of motion is often not affected, but some pain can be expected on hyperextension.

Diagnosis of Spondylolisthesis

• Laboratory test results are normal in patients with disorders that can e connected to spondylolisthesis.
• Physical examination will help determine if spondylolysis is the cause of your symptoms.
• X-Ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The diagnosis of spondylolisthesis is confirmed by noting the forward position of one vertebral body on another.

A spondylolisthesis also is graded according to the amount that one vertebral body has slipped forward on another:

• Grade I slip means that the upper vertebra has slipped forward less than 25 percent of the total width of the vertebral body
• Grade II slip is between 25 and 50 percent
• Grade III slip between 50 and 75 percent
• Grade IV slip is more than 75 percent
• Grade V slip indicates that the upper vertebral body has slid all the way forward off the front of the lower vertebral body, a condition called spondyloptosis.

Risk factors for spondylolisthesis include:

• Congenital defect
• Diabetes
• Injury to the bone, a result of a fracture to the vertebra, or gradual damage caused from high-impact sports
• Osteoarthritis, in which arthritis causes cartilage degeneration in the spinal column
• Pathological damage, when the condition is triggered by the presence of a tumor, disease or bone abnormality
• Pregnancy

Causes of Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis may be caused by any of a number of problems with the small joints in your back. Common causes include:

• Arthritis
• Congenital defective joint
• Infection in the spine area
• Repetitive trauma (exposure to hyperextension motions)
• Trauma to the joint (fracture of the pedicle, lamina, or facet joints)
• Vertebra stress fracture (usually caused from joint overuse )

Acupuncture

By stimulating vital energy flow and improving nerve function, acupuncture may be used as an alternative treatment therapy for spondylolisthesis. Always consult your physician at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital for the suitability of this option in your specific case.

Alternate Temperatures

To gain access to the deeper inflammation areas, ice packs are sometimes applied alternatively with hot packs or hot baths. Alternate temperatures are known to:

• assist the healing process
• boost blood circulation
• boost lymph flow
• reduce inner inflammation

Chiropractic Treatments for Spondylolisthesis

The most commonly used spinal manipulation types of spinal manipulation include:

• Flexion-distraction is used for degenerative disc conditions and facet strain related to spondylolisthesis.
• Instrument-assisted manipulation uses a hand-held instrument without thrusting into the spine.
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy to help treat injured soft tissue.
• Manual joint stretching and resistance techniques.
• Specific spinal manipulation to identify identifies the restricted joints.
• Trigger point therapy helps identify specific, painful points on a muscle.

Yoga and Pilates

• Yoga utilizes different body postures so as to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the body. Follow your physician’s directions and perform moderate yoga postures.
• Pilates focuses on proper breathing, mental concentration, smooth movement and correct spinal alignment. Pilates exercises are beneficial in developing cores muscles of the abdomen and back.

For detailed information on alternative treatment options and expert medical advice on spondylolisthesis, please contact our knowledgeable medical specialists at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital.

A healthy lifestyle will help prevent not only spondylolisthesis, but other health conditions also. To improve health spine, medical specialists at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital recommend the following lifestyle changes:

• Aim to maintain healthy body weight
• Avoid excessive bending and twisting
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use
• Avoid stressing the lower back
• Keep a balanced nutritional plan
• Learning how to lift heavy objects correctly
• Proper posture during sitting, standing, driving
• Regular exercise, with a focus on aerobic exercises
• Make sure you sleep and rest enough

If you experience symptoms and signs of spondylolisthesis, consult our knowledgeable, qualified professionals at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital for a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan.