Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Can You Prevent It?

Have you heard of degenerative spondylolisthesis and are wondering if there is a way you can prevent it? Read on and learn more.

If you have lower back pain right now, I feel you! I’ve been there a few times and I understand how excruciating lower back pain can be. It spasms out of control and you sometimes just don’t know how to get comfortable.

It could be that you are suffering degenerative spondylolisthesis. Now, these two words are quite the mouthful to pronounce, but it’s quite simply a condition you may have developed in your lower vertebrae. 

In this short guide, we’ll talk about ways you can prevent it from getting worse. We’ll also explore some treatment options. 

The Nature of Spondylolisthesis 

Now, we are not here to help you diagnose whether you have this condition. That would be the job of a trained medical specialist.

We can let you know that there are two types of spondylolisthesis:

  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis
  • Isthmic spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis occurs because the lower part of your spine wears down. It can vary when this may happen in your life.

Isthmic spondylolisthesis happens when you experience a tiny fracture or break in your lower spine. The fracture creates a weak spot there, giving you the undesired symptoms you might be experiencing.

So we have to reiterate now that if you believe you might have one of these conditions, go get your back checked out by a specialist. The sooner you do, the faster you might be able to prevent further deterioration and more pain. 

Spondylolisthesis Treatments

Nowadays there are probably four main approaches to treating different forms of spondylolisthesis. These are:

  • Manual manipulation treatments
  • Epidural injections
  • Activity modifications
  • Spinal cord surgery

Chiropractors can carry out manual manipulations to treat your lower back issue. Also, physical therapists and osteopathic physicians can help with manipulating your spine and lower back. 

Epidural injections are a form of pain relief. Some people get severe pain from the condition and it can even run through their legs, so these pain-relieving injections are often very welcomed by patients.

Activity modification refers to the patient changing the way they move and rest their body. For instance, you might get advice to avoid exercising for a period, get some extended bed rest, or avoid twisting. 

Surgery on the spine is often the last resort option, but it can be super-effective. If you have a spinal injury and the result is isthmic spondylolisthesis, you may well want to have surgery as soon as you can. Otherwise, your spine injury could worsen over time.

But it’s also possible to have surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis. In this instance, the surgeon’s goal is to help realign your spine in a way that will relieve nerve pressure.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Prevention

It may be that you are experiencing the beginnings of degenerative spondylolisthesis. If you want to be sure, get it checked out, and then prevent it from exacerbating by opting for treatment.

Thank you for reading through this quick post; we hope it enlightens you a little more about the subject. Please also check out our blog for more tips and info.

Recommended Articles