Spondylolisthesis � What is it and How is it Treated?

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Patrick Foote

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May 11, 2013, 10:12:02 PM5/11/13
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Patrick Foote

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Article Title: Spondylolisthesis � What is it and How is it Treated?
Author: Patrick Foote
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Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that occurs when one vertebra slips out of place and over the vertebra located directly beneath it. The condition is diagnosed in terms of grades, with Grade 1 indicating 0-25 percent slippage; Grade 2 representing 25-50 percent slippage; Grade 3 describing 50-75 percent slippage; Grade 4 indicating 75-100 percent slippage; and Grade 5 referring to complete vertebral slippage. Spondylolisthesis can occur as the result of a traumatic injury, but is most commonly caused by the natural aging process and the gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs (which are responsible for supporting the vertebrae).

Treating Spondylolisthesis

Treatment for spondylolisthesis can vary from patient to patient and relies heavily on the extent to which the affected vertebra has slipped out of place. Generally speaking, patients who have been diagnosed with low-grade spondylolisthesis can find relief in the form of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. This could include a regimen of one or more of the following treatments:

Thermotherapy/cryotherapy � More commonly known as heat/ice therapy, this treatment involves the applications of heat and ice. Applying heat to the affected area can help relieve muscle tension (a common contributor to back pain) and may aid in directing nutrient-rich blood to the area. Ice and cold compresses can help numb the area and may reduce inflammation.

Medication � Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve some patients� pain and discomfort. In the event that a patient is allergic to these medications or suffers from certain gastrointestinal or cardiovascular conditions, then a physician may recommend an over-the-counter analgesic like acetaminophen instead. Some physicians may prescribe narcotic pain relievers and/or muscle relaxants for patients who find little to no relief through the use of over-the-counter drugs.

Alternative therapies � Some patients benefit from utilizing alternative therapies, either as stand-alone treatments or as a complement to physician-recommended techniques. Popular alternative therapies include the use of herbal supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, and aromatherapy to name a few.

Surgery for Spondylolisthesis

Surgery for high-grade spondylolisthesis can be incredibly complex. Patients who have been diagnosed with high-grade spondylolisthesis should speak with their physicians about their unique surgical plans. For these reasons, this article will only focus on surgical treatments for low-grade spondylolisthesis.

Some patients may receive little to no relief after utilizing conservative, nonsurgical treatment for several weeks or months and may be advised to undergo surgery to treat low-grade spondylolisthesis. Open back surgery sometimes involves the complete removal of an intervertebral disc and the fusion of the two adjacent vertebrae. While this renders the affected segment of the spine motionless, it can prevent vertebral slippage in the future. Recovery is generally long and arduous and some patients are faced with lengthy hospital stays. It should also be noted that patients who undergo open back surgery are at risk for developing failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), which is the worsening or continuation of symptoms following an open back operation.

Before consenting to any operation, patients should strongly consider receiving a second � or even a third � opinion.


About The Author: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, which specializes in safe and effective outpatient treatments for spondylolisthesis. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spondylolisthesis/

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