Chiropractor for Spondylolisthesis Treatment in Carrollton, TX
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where there is a bilateral fracture of the pars interarticularis resulting in one vertebra in the spine slipping forward over the vertebra below it. This displacement can occur at any level of the spine, but it is most commonly seen in the lumbar (lower) region and typically at L5-S1 followed by L4-L5. Spondylolisthesis can lead to pain, nerve compression, and other symptoms, depending on the severity of the slip and whether any nerves are affected. This is typically what follows Spondylolysis and is seen most commonly in athletes such as gymnasts, football players, cheerleaders and dancers that participate in repetitive extension and hyperextension of the lumbar spine.
Key Points About Spondylolisthesis:
Causes:
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Spondylolysis: One of the most common causes of spondylolisthesis is spondylolysis, which is a stress fracture or defect in the pars interarticularis (the part of the vertebra that connects the upper and lower facets). When this defect weakens the vertebra, it can lead to slippage.
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Degenerative: As people age, the discs between the vertebrae can lose their elasticity and height, leading to instability that allows one vertebra to slip over the other.
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Congenital: Some individuals may be born with an abnormal spinal structure that predisposes them to spondylolisthesis.
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Trauma or Injury: A sudden injury or trauma to the spine can also cause the vertebra to slip.
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Other Factors: Conditions like arthritis or spinal tumors can contribute to the development of spondylolisthesis.
Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis:
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Lower back pain: This is the most common symptom, often aggravated by activity or certain movements.
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Radiating pain: If the slippage compresses nearby nerves, it can cause pain that radiates down the legs (sciatica).
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Numbness or weakness: Nerve compression can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet.
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Limited range of motion: The spine may feel stiff or rigid, limiting mobility.
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In severe cases, spondylolisthesis can cause difficulty walking or performing daily activities due to pain or nerve involvement.
Grades of Spondylolisthesis:
The severity of the slippage is often classified into four grades based on how far the vertebra has slipped (typically anterior or forward, referred to as anterolisthesis):
Grade I: 0-25% slippage
Grade II: 25-50% slippage
Grade III: 50-75% slippage
Grade IV: 75-100% slippage
Grade V (Spondyloptosis): Complete slippage, where the vertebra has completely fallen off the one below it.
X-rays are typically used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of slippage. In some cases, an MRI or CT scan may be used for further evaluation, especially if nerve compression is suspected.
How can Chiropractic Care help with Spondylolisthesis?
At Elevation, we utilize a wide variety of techniques and treatments to improve symptoms related to Spondylolisthesis. Depending on the severity and stage of the Spondylolisthesis and location can result in different treatment programs. At Elevation, our goal is to reduce symptoms and pain associated with the fracture and then stabilize the muscle tissue around it with strengthening exercises.
It's not a one-size fits all situation because each patient with this is treated different and each person may present with unique compensation patterns that amplify symptoms. We utilize different soft tissue treatments such as manual therapy, dry needling, IASTM, cupping, and shockwave therapy. We also use specific spinal manipulation or adjusting that do not threaten the stress reaction or stress fracture to improve range of motion and mobility through the spine effectively. We usually teach a progression of advanced rehabilitation and strengthening exercises for the low back and surrounding regions as well to help ease and reduce symptoms long-term.
Try this Exercise for Low Back Pain
This modified version of a Pallof press is one of our favorite go-to exercises for back pain, hip pain, or even upper and lower extremity injuries. It helps to target rotational stability through the core, which is where a lot of us tend to struggle and lack strength. Having a properly functioning core system is crucial for injury prevention and injury recovery. This is typically where we start with this exercise and make modifications to make it more or less challenging depending on the person. We usually recommend starting with 3 sets of 8 reps with an 8-second hold a good starting point before progressing to a harder variation.
What's the difference between Spondylolysis and Spondylolysthesis?
While both are often referred to as "spondy" or "spondy pain", Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis are two different spinal conditions, with different treatment programs, as well as different symptoms.
Spondylolysis is a defect or fracture in the vertebral bone without vertebral slippage. The treatment for Spondylolysis can be less aggressive, including rest, chiropractic treatments listed above, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Spondylolisthesis is a slippage of one vertebra over another, which can occur due to Spondylolysis or other causes. Depending on the severity of the slippage, the treatment for Spondylolisthesis tends to be a bit more aggressive, with more rehabilitative exercises, manual therapy, and other chiropractic treatments listed above.
If left untreated, Spondylolysis can sometimes progress to Spondylolisthesis, but not always.
TESTIMONIALS
Charles M.
I recently had severe lower back pain as a result of overuse and to be honest, probably a little ego at the gym. It felt like a herniated disk. I could not stand straight and I could not sleep for longer than an hour at a time. I went to visit Dr. Konner and I cannot believe how quickly my pain was gone and I walked out of there with complete mobility. This was my first time to try dry needling and it is a miracle process. If you find yourself in any kind of lower back, or any pain, strain or pull of a muscle, I can not stress enough the relief you'll feel once you have just a single session with Dr. Konner. I'm so happy with these results that I'm making my appointments to have him take a look at my lingering knee and shoulder issues and finally being pain free.
