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Spondylolisthesis Therapy
Spondylolisthesis therapy is any of the wide variety of treatments used to combat symptoms of this relatively common spinal condition.
Spondylolisthesis
is a structural
spinal abnormality
in which one or more vertebrae move forward and out of alignment with the rest of the spine. This condition most commonly occurs in the lower
lumbar region
at L4 or L5. The condition is also sometimes referred to as vertebral displacement. There are no actual cures for spondylolisthesis except surgical correction.

Spondylolisthesis Symptomatic Therapy
Some patients experience mild to moderate discomfort as a result of their
slipped vertebra.
These patients might not require the drastic correction offered by
back surgery,
but still could benefit from some type of symptomatic relief. These are the patients who truly benefit from appropriate
symptomatic treatment
therapies. Regardless of the therapy method selected, the patient should understand just what the treatment is designed to do and the expectations for pain relief. For more detailed information on specific therapy modalities, please read my
back pain treatments
page.
Reasons against Spondylolisthesis Therapy
Severe spondylolisthesis might require drastic or long term symptomatic relief. Patients with this type of discomfort often resort to using powerful prescription
drugs
to relieve their pain. Long term pharmaceutical therapy can do more harm than good, as it exposes the patient to health risks, as well as the potential for drug dependency. Many patients diagnosed with spondylolisthesis might indeed demonstrate the physical condition, but suffer pain from a completely different source. Spondylolisthesis is not normally painful in the vast majority of diagnosed patients. Most symptomatic patients with mild to moderate spondylolisthesis are actually suffering from a
psychosomatic back pain
condition using the spinal abnormality as a
scapegoat.
Recommendation on Spondylolisthesis Therapy
Normally, I am against symptomatic treatment, but in the case of spondylolisthesis, it might be the only wise choice. Surgery is rarely required and is not advisable in the majority of instances. If the patient has true physical symptoms due to their slipped vertebral condition, then some variety of therapy might be the best course of action. Before beginning any program, first make sure to thoroughly investigate the chance that your pain might actually be a case of psychosomatic back pain. Remember that this is THE MOST COMMON type of
back ache
experienced in the world. If it turns out that the pain is indeed due to your spondylolisthesis condition, then you can pursue appropriate treatment without wasting time and money enduring a hopeless therapy for a
treatment resistant
psychological condition.
Spondylolisthesis Therapy to Back Pain Home
12/5/07 Revised 10/26/08

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