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Slipped Vertebrae
Causes of Slipped VertebraeSpondylolisthesis can occur due to congenital condition, early developmental condition, degenerative process or back injury. Typical cases are usually congenital or early developmental varieties with the condition making its appearance between the years of birth to age 16. Most of these spondylolysis conditions start before the age of 6. Degenerative spondylolisthesis conditions begin later in life as a result of advanced spinal arthritic processes. Vertebral slippage due to injury is rare, but can be rather serious. Trauma induced spondylolisthesis conditions can create severe health problems and spinal instability in some patients. Obviously, these types of vertebral slippage are often the most symptomatic of all the common varieties.Treatments for Slipped VertebraMost congenital and developmental conditions do not require any medical treatment, but should be monitored by a doctor. Some moderate to severe cases may require conservative therapies and a few advanced cases of vertebral slippage might require surgical intervention, most commonly in the form of a spinal fusion procedure. Degenerative spondylolisthesis treatment also depends greatly on the actual amount of slippage which has occurred. Most cases do not require any special treatment, although these cases should also be monitored by a qualified physician. Extreme cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis might require aggressive or even surgical treatment. Slipped vertebrae due to injury almost always require some form of operation to reconstruct the spine.It is important to realize that all necessity for treatment depends upon a common factor, regardless of the cause of the spondylolisthesis condition. The percentage of vertebral slippage is this most important factor. Minor slippage is rated at less than 25%. Moderate slippage is rated at 25% to 50% misalignment. Serious slippage is rated at 50% to 75% misalignment. Extreme misalignment is rated at 75% to over 100% slippage. The greater the percentage of vertebral misalignment is, the greater the chance of the patient displaying an unstable spinal column condition. Recommendation for Slipped VertebraeAlthough this sounds like a very scary condition, it is usually completely harmless and asymptomatic. The vast majority of patients have minor spondylolisthesis which will not interfere with any physical function in their lives. The only real danger of this common form of the condition is the diagnostic nocebo effect commonly imparted when the condition is discovered. The fear associated with this condition can create the start of a psychosomatic back pain syndrome in some patients. Severe vertebral slippage conditions can definitely be painful and even debilitating. In these cases, it is crucial to learn about all the possible back pain treatment options from a specialist in spondylolisthesis care.
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