Spondylolisthesis Treatment

A good doctor will not begin spondylolisthesis treatment without first having a complete and accurate diagnosis of the condition. The diagnosis of spondylolisthesis can only be made using some sort of skeletal imaging study. X-Rays are the most common form and will show the extent of slippage in the vertebrae. If symptoms are present, the doctor will usually order an MRI or CT scan to accurately visualize both the bone, and it�s effect on the soft tissue. The MRI / CT scan will be able to see exactly what effect the slipped vertebra is having on the spinal canal.

Spondylolisthesis Treatment Necessity

If little or no symptoms are present, there really is no need for ANY treatment. Spondylolisthesis is not usually a painful or harmful condition. Patients that are experiencing pain will often be interviewed about their activities. Patients are advised to avoid high risk activities that may jar their spines, causing pain.

If there is significant pain or worsening pain, treatment will be given. Treatment can take several forms. It is the decision of the care provider which treatment method will be best for the patient.

Spondylolisthesis Treatment Options

Constructive treatment will build up the surrounding muscles and provide a more comfortable range of motion. The most common form of active treatment is physical therapy. The patient is given a number of specific back exercises that will work to relieve pain and reduce further slippage

Less constructive treatment usually involves the use of back braces and orthotics. While these medical tools are helpful in some instances, they can also weaken the muscles and further reduce the comfortable range of motion. Orthotic braces should only be prescribed for spondylolisthesis conditions where the degree of vertebral slippage has actually compromised the integrity of the spine.

Spondylolisthesis Surgery

Surgical correction is sometimes used as a last resort. If vertebral slippage continues and the symptoms get worse, surgery is considered a drastic, but effective solution. A spinal fusion (bone graft) will be done re-joining the lumbar spine and sacrum. If there is any suspicion of a relapse of spondylolisthesis, internal hardware (pins, screws, cages) might be used to fix the slipped vertebra back in place. Nerve root impingement might be the cause of pain for many patients. In this case, a laminectomy will often be performed as well.

Remember...Spondylolisthesis Treatment is only necessary in a small percentage of people that have the condition.

Spondylolisthesis Treatment to Back Pain Home page 6/16/06 Revised 4/21/08