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Doctor insights on:
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis (Overview)
Is the subluxation or slippage of one vertebral body over another, usually with the more superior body slipping forward relative to the body below. This can be due to to etiologies such as ligamentous laxity or an abnormality of the bone (spondylolysis). If mild, it may be asymptomatic. If severe or unstable, it could cause kinking/compression of the spinal cord or nerve root compression.
1
What are common complications of spondylolisthesis?

Pain: Back pain is the most common symptom. Nerve symptoms can also occur: numbness, tingling, pain in the legs. Rarely it can affect the ability to empty the bladder or bowels. ...Read more
Spondylolisthesis (Overview)
Is the subluxation or slippage of one vertebral body over another, usually with the more superior body slipping forward relative to the body below. This can be due to to etiologies such as ligamentous laxity or an abnormality of the bone (spondylolysis). If mild, it may be asymptomatic. If severe or unstable, it could cause kinking/compression of the spinal cord or nerve root compression.
2
How does degenerative spondylolisthesis affect pregnancy?

It does not: Degenerative spondylolisthesis usually is not seen before age 50. While is rarely occurs earlier, it should have no direct affect on pregnancy. ...Read more
3
What are the known symptoms of spondylolisthesis?

Pain: Usual symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling of both the low back as well as the legs. ...Read more
4
I fell, dr took x-rays and said I have congenital spondylolisthesis. Insurance company says my pain couldn't be from fall because dr diagnose congental?

Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis can be congenital or acquired. For whatever reason you have it, it can lead to greater risk for injury if you have a fall impacting the area involved. Would suggest you discuss with your doctor and appeal the insurance company's decision. Even if they knew it was present before a fall, it still has a risk of being associated with greater injury to nerves and the spine. ...Read more
5
What are the tests for spondylolisthesis?

Exam, radiographs: A careful physical may pick it up, but in most cases the deformity is not visible to the eye. Plain radiographs (x-rays) show the slip (spondylolisthesis). If done standing, they can show subtle slips that go away while lying down. Mri and ct are helpful if there are nerve symptoms (like leg pain, numbness, weakness) and if surgery is being considered. Bone scan is sometimes used too. ...Read more
6
Please let me know if there is a natural treatment for spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis: Not typically treated by "natural treatment" though sometimes bracing and physical therapy can help. ...Read more
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What causes spondylolisthesis?

Bad back: Spondylolisthesis is a forward sliding of a vertebra, typically in the low back. It is caused by a number of things including chronic poor posture and obesity. Congenital defects, osteopenia and osteoporosis can also make you more susceptible. ...Read more
8
What does grade 1 spondylolisthesis at the l4-5 level mean?
Up to 25%: Grade 1 means that the forward slippage of L4 is up to one quarter (25%) of the top of the L5 vertebra. So if the top of L5 front to back is 50 mm, the forward slip of L4 is more than zero and less than 12.5 mm. ...Read more
9
What are the best ways to treat spondylolisthesis?

Exercises: Spondylolisthesis is often found on x-ray examination as an incidental findings. Just because it is there, does not mean that it is the cause of your symptoms. When is established that this is the cause of your symptoms, then exercises, bracing and nsaids such as tylenol, (acetaminophen) advil and Aleve make help. If not prescription pain medication may be prescribed. If all fail then surgical intervention. ...Read more
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How are spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis typically treated?
Depends!: Unless symptoms are severe, most can be treated by core strengthening exercises, medications. Surgery can help if simple measures fail and pain interferes with normal activities. ...Read more
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What are natural treatment options for spondylolisthesis?
Exercise: Core stabilization exercises.
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12
What kind of treatments are there for spondylolisthesis?!?
Majority non op: Common types: congenital which occurs in 6% of the population & is treated without surgery 90% of the time with occasional use of otc medication, bracing & activity modification along with core strengthening exercises, flexibilty routines & cardio ones-other common type is the acquired usually seen in females over 50 with 70% getting same treatment. Surgery is a fusion +- laminectomy for both. ...Read more
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Spondylolisthesis -- is there a cure?

No: It is due to degeneration of disc and joints, occasionally from a type of fracture. Surgery can be used to correct it, but usually exercise, weight control and otc medication can control symptoms without anything more drastic needing to be done. ...Read more
14
What other treatment options are open for spondylolisthesis?
Many: Spondylolisthesis is the slipping of 1 vertebral body on the other. This is not always painful. When it is, it can often be treated like any other form of back pain with exercise, nonnarcotic pain medication, and bracing. When the slippage results in the pinching of a nearby nerve, surgery usually with fusion of the bones may be helpful. ...Read more
15
Lumbar retrolisthesis vs spondylolisthesis. What are the mechanics? How does it happen? Can a fall cause it? Does it cause back pain?

Typically a: Retrolisthesis is due to degenerative changes leading to this instability pattern. A spondylolisthesis can occur by the same mechanism or by trauma or genetic in nature. Since there are abnormal mechanics leading to this, they remain abnormal and can lead to pain in back or even radicular symptoms due to nerve irritation, development of spinal or foramenal stenosis or possibly disc herniation. ...Read more
16
What pregnancy risks does spondylolisthesis pose?
None: There is usually no risk other than possibly some increased risk of some back pain during the pregnancy. ...Read more
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What prevents spondylolisthesis from getting worse?
These rarely: Progress if the isthmic or congenital type with less than 1% progressing in adulthood. They can progress during youth. The acquired or degenerative type can progress but rarely past grade 2. Weight control, not smoking and regular exercise including core strengthening is important in terms of symptom control. ...Read more
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What causes spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one vertebrae over another. Causes can be degenerative arthritis, trauma/fracture, congenital, or stress fracture of the pars intraarticularis which is often caused by sports involving hyperextension of the back. ...Read more
19
What causes spondylolisthesis?
Bad back: Spondylolisthesis is a forward sliding of a vertebra, typically in the low back. It is caused by a number of things including chronic poor posture and obesity. Congenital defects, osteopenia and osteoporosis can also make you more susceptible. ...Read more
20
Anyone diagnosed spondylolisthesis?
What is the question: Spondylolithesis is diagnosed by flexion and extension xrays but may also be picked up on mri. ...Read more
21
Spondylolisthesis -- is there a cure?
No: It is due to degeneration of disc and joints, occasionally from a type of fracture. Surgery can be used to correct it, but usually exercise, weight control and otc medication can control symptoms without anything more drastic needing to be done. ...Read more
22
What are the tests for spondylolisthesis?
Exam, radiographs: A careful physical may pick it up, but in most cases the deformity is not visible to the eye. Plain radiographs (x-rays) show the slip (spondylolisthesis). If done standing, they can show subtle slips that go away while lying down. Mri and ct are helpful if there are nerve symptoms (like leg pain, numbness, weakness) and if surgery is being considered. Bone scan is sometimes used too. ...Read more
23
What are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis?

None to varied: There are several types of spondylolisthesis these can have no symptoms to varying types of back &/or leg pain with or without any numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs. 70% of the degenerative or acquired type & 90% of the congenital type are treated non operatively, the pain is usually worse with activity & better with rest. ...Read more
24
What can help people with spondylolisthesis?
A lot: This condition can be sucessfully treated a variety of ways seek the help of an orthopedic spine surgeon as a guide. Read dr. Wiltse work, classic on spondy. ...Read more
25
What will help people with spondylolisthesis?
Varied: The natural history of spondylolisthesis is somewhat difficult to predict and may be somewhat dependent on the underlying causes of the misalignment. Also the current degree of misalignment and if there is instability also play a part. Core stabilization exercises, physical fitness and weight management are important in maintaining he issue and potentially preventing progression. ...Read more
26
Does hula hooping help with spondylolisthesis?

Interesting question: I am not aware of any specific data on the subject, but if you can do it, and it doesn't make you feel worse, I say knock yourself out. ...Read more
27
What are the known symptoms of spondylolisthesis?
Pain: Usual symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling of both the low back as well as the legs. ...Read more
28
What are the best ways to treat spondylolisthesis?
Exercises: Spondylolisthesis is often found on x-ray examination as an incidental findings. Just because it is there, does not mean that it is the cause of your symptoms. When is established that this is the cause of your symptoms, then exercises, bracing and nsaids such as tylenol, (acetaminophen) advil and Aleve make help. If not prescription pain medication may be prescribed. If all fail then surgical intervention. ...Read more
29
What are common complications of spondylolisthesis?
Pain: Back pain is the most common symptom. Nerve symptoms can also occur: numbness, tingling, pain in the legs. Rarely it can affect the ability to empty the bladder or bowels. ...Read more
30
Can spondylolisthesis worsen even if I have no pain?
Yes: The most common type of spondylolisthesis will rarely progress to a severe slip. Most of the time, the progression stops when a person reaches adulthood. The other common kind occurs in middle life and beyond, and rarely progresses beyond grade 1 or 2 (mild). The process of slippage is not something people feel. ...Read more