Everything You Need to Know About Spondylolisthesis

Do you have back pain? If yes, it could be because of a condition called spondylolisthesis. This is a spinal disorder. To know everything about the same, continue to read the following article.

What is spondylolisthesis?

Everyone’s backbone is made up of small units that are called vertebrae in medical parlance. These vertebral units form a line that is your spine.

When one such spinal unit, called the vertebra, gets dislocated out of its normal position onto the vertebra below it, this condition of vertebral displacement is known as spondylolisthesis.

Vertebral displacement in the case of spondylolisthesis can happen in three ways. First, the displaced vertebra could move in the front of the lower vertebra or the same could happen towards the back.

Furthermore, although it is not a very common thing, spondylolisthesis can also occur sideways.

This condition is more common in the cervical and lumbar sections of the spine.

These symptoms are common indicators of spondylolisthesis: lower back pain, stiffness and tight muscles. In severe cases, it can also compress nerves, causing leg pain or weakness.

Causes of this condition

Spondylolisthesis is multifactorial; in other words, it can be caused by a variety of conditions.

For instance, if your spine has spinal deformities, you are more likely to develop this condition. Curves and bends in the upper and lower spine can predispose a person to develop spondylolisthesis.

In addition to that, external traumas like road accidents and falling on the back can also lead to vertebral displacements in any possible way, i.e., in the front, in the back and on either side.

Age is also the culprit. Over time, our weight-bearing joints start becoming weak and low in strength. When vertebrae have sustained too much wear and tear over time, they can get displaced easily.

Repetitive stress on the spine can also cause this. However, you should be concerned more regarding this particular cause if you are an athlete or someone who has to engage their spine in hyperextension.

Finally, genes also have a say in this process. If your parents have a history of spinal problems caused by genetics, you are at a greater risk of getting this disorder than any other person with a safe genetic side.

Does spondylolisthesis require surgery?

Spondylolisthesis happens when a vertebra slips out of its normal anatomical position and displaces somewhere around the vertebra below.

However, if the situation is severe and complicated, a surgeon will have to treat it with the help of an open surgery. Thus, yes, surgery is required for the treatment of spondylolisthesis.

Treatments

The condition can only be treated surgically as already mentioned above though non-surgical options are also used to reduce inflammatory problems like pain, swelling, mobility issues, etc.

The surgeon will perform surgery to place the displaced vertebra again in its usual position.

After the surgery, physical therapy might be used to deal with pain and swelling and to gain better mobility. Medications and injections are also used to deal with the post-inflammatory issues.

Sometimes, doctors can make use of braces or other immobilisation techniques.

Afterwards, taking enough rest is of major importance.

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Recovery timeline for a spinal injury

Recovery time can vary a lot from one person to another.

Yet, you can generally expect from a few weeks to several months—at least a maximum of 6 months.

For less invasive procedures, recovery might be shorter.

However, for more extensive surgeries such as traditional open spinal fusion, the recovery period may be longer, potentially requiring several months of rehabilitation and physical therapy before returning to normal activities.

Conclusion: Preventative Measures

Let’s end this article with some tips to prevent injuries to the spine.

Obesity: Because it puts tension on the spine, being overweight raises the risk of injury. Hence, always have meals full of nutrients. Engage in regular exercise to help regulate weight and strengthen the muscles that support the spine.

Posture: A straight spine lessens strain by distributing weight evenly throughout the vertebrae. Maintaining a straight spine is important to prevent slouching or hunching when lifting, standing, or sitting.

To encourage proper posture and reduce strain on your spine, make use of ergonomic workstations, seats, and other furnishings whenever possible.

Lifting: Keep your back straight, bend your knees, and lift with your legs instead of your back when moving heavy goods. Bad lifting moves can wreck your spinal units or vertebrae.

Work-Out: Regular exercise, particularly that which strengthens and stretches the core muscles, helps stabilise the spine and reduces the risk of injury. Muscle strength is definitely crucial for spinal health.

However, don’t over-exercise. It might cause spinal problems rather than correcting them.

Psychoactive Substances: Smoking raises the risk of spinal injuries by obstructing the healing process and decreasing the blood supply to the spine. Smoking or other substance abuse has more bad consequences than good ones. Thus, quit it.

Safe Driving: Always use a seatbelt whether operating a vehicle or riding in one. Following safety measures while driving a car or any other vehicle is crucial as it helps you avert various potential injuries during an accident.

Protective gear: Wear the appropriate protective gear, such as helmets and padding, if you engage in sports or activities that carry a risk of spinal injury, such as skiing or contact sports.

Body Limit: Be mindful of any indications of pain or discomfort in your neck or back. Seek immediate medical assistance if you suffer from severe or persistent pain so that any underlying disorders can be addressed before they worsen.

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