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Spinal Instability
The vertebral bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments are no longer held together in a tight and proper fit. The spine is designed to provide support, structure, and protection for the body and its organs. In the case of an unstable spinal column, the structure is no longer capable of providing these necessary attributes to the body. Types of Spinal Instability* Microinstability is a fairly common condition in which small internal movements of the spinal bones are abnormal.* Macroinstability is when an entire spinal level is moved into an abnormal position in relation to other vertebrae. Multiple levels of macroinstability can be a dangerous condition that often requires surgical correction. Causes of Spinal Instability* Osteoarthritis can wear down the vertebral bones causing an increased range of abnormal motion in each vertebral level.* Osteoporosis can cause vertebral bones to fracture and move from their normal spinal position. * Spondylolisthesis can become so severe as to compromise the structural integrity of the spinal column. * Degenerative disc disease and herniated discs cause discs to shrink and create the possibility of increased vertebral movement in the affected levels. * Back injury can cause the spinal bones to shift and lose normal alignment. * Certain Congenital conditions make the spine prone to abnormal movement Effects of Spinal Instability* Nerve compression is possible and may become severe. Sciatica symptoms are common in unstable lumbar spinal levels.* Visual deformity is possible with severe cases of macroinstability. * Abnormal movement can cause muscle spasms that can be extremely psinful. Ironically, these muscle spasms often temporarily stabilize the spine, making a proper diagnosis difficult to achieve. * Severe instability can cause vertebral collapse or fracture. Treatment of Spinal InstabilityConservative treatments range from NO TREATMENT to prescription drugs to physical therapy. Minor microinstability is often not symptomatic and will resolve itself with time. Serious cases of instability might require surgical correction and stabilization. This surgery can be minor or very invasive, depending on the extent of the damage to spinal integrity.Recommendation on Spinal InstabilityThis is not an uncommon condition in its most mild forms. As we age, it is normal for our spinal joints to become “loose”. It is normal for us to lose some amount of integrity in our spines from completely normal processes, such as degenerative disc disease and spinal arthritis. Usually mild asymptomatic cases of instability are nothing to worry about. Congenital instability or problems arising due to a spinal injury must usually be treated surgically. Physical therapy can be a great help in learning how to move properly and build up surrounding spinal muscles to prevent pain and vertebral slippage.
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