All About Health And Wellness Journal

Is Chiropractic Care Effective for Spondylolisthesis?

Aug 5

Spondylolisthesis in Northwest Houston, Texas, can be successfully treated with chiropractic therapy. It is drug-free and non-invasive, contributing to its increasing acceptance as a treatment for various back conditions, including spondylolisthesis. A chiropractor can create a treatment plan that addresses the source rather than just the symptoms, in addition to determining what is causing the spondylolisthesis. As a result, spondylolisthesis may be permanently corrected by chiropractic care.

 

Spondylolisthesis: What is it?

Spondylolisthesis is the term for when a vertebra slides forward over the vertebra beneath it. There are various forms of spondylolisthesis due to the fact that numerous variables may contribute to or cause the slippage. The majority of cases only affect the lumbosacral region of the lower back. The L5 vertebra is the one that is damaged in roughly 90% of instances. It typically occurs during childhood when the bones and joints are still growing. However, it can also happen later in life due to injury or degenerative changes.



Spondylolisthesis can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, if the slippage is severe, it can place pressure on the spinal nerves and lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. In rare cases, it can also lead to paralysis.

 

If you think you may have spondylolisthesis, it is essential to see a doctor so that they can confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include pain relief medication, physical therapy, or surgery.



Types of spondylolisthesis

 

Degenerative spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is more common in older adults and is caused by the breakdown of the joints and ligaments that support the spine.



Isthmic spondylolisthesis

In persons with isthmic spondylolisthesis, the vertebra moves forward following a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis. The portion of a vertebra that joins the facet joints of the spine is known as the pars interarticularis. The most typical explanation for the fracture is that it results from mechanical stress, such as repeated spinal bending, hyperextension, and rotational movements. Stress fractures may also occur in an extended pars interarticularis. Most young people with isthmic spondylolisthesis are affected.



Avoid activities that require you to bend or hyperextend your spine, as well as those that require you to rotate your spine if you have isthmic spondylolisthesis. In addition, sports enthusiasts and those who lift weights have a higher chance of the illness worsening.



Dysplastic Spondylolisthesis

Dysplastic spondylolisthesis is caused by a congenital (present at birth) abnormality of the vertebra. It is more common in children and adolescents than in adults.



Pathologic Spondylolisthesis

A tumor, infection or other diseases may weaken the bones and joints that support the spine, causing vertebral slippage. This is referred to as pathologic spondylolisthesis and can occur at any age.

 

Traumatic Spondylolisthesis

Injury or trauma to the spine can also lead to vertebral slippage. This is called traumatic spondylolisthesis and is more common in adults.




Spondylolisthesis Diagnosis by a Chiropractor

Even if your symptoms are limited to one area, such as low back pain, your chiropractor will examine your entire spine. The reason for evaluating the entire spine is that spondylolisthesis can affect other areas of the spine even if the symptoms are mild. Your chiropractor may do the following when assessing your condition:



  • Take a thorough medical history as well as a full medical examination.
  • Get an x-ray. An x-ray may be required in some cases of spondylolisthesis, but not all. The x-ray is used to assist the chiropractor in ruling out other conditions. They will be able to see the slipped vertebra or a damaged vertebra.
  • Locate the areas where joint motion is restricted or a disc or ligament is injured. They'll be looking for muscle spasms. Palpation, precise motion, and static palpation are techniques used by chiropractors to detect these issues. Palpation simply means that they will examine you by touch. They can detect which areas of the spine are tight or tender, as well as how well each spinal joint moves.
  • Examine your gait, posture, and how your spine is aligned. The three factors indicate how well your spine functions and moves.
  • Your chiropractor may use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scans to assess the stability of your spondylolisthesis. They may also be able to get a better view of any vertebral damage.
  • If necessary, refer you to a spine surgeon for further evaluation. Most patients will not need to be referred, but for a few, it may be required.



At Peak Potential Family Chiropractic, we want to ensure that you get the best possible treatment for your spondylolisthesis. Our chiropractors will work with you to develop a treatment plan specifically designed for your needs. If you are looking for a chiropractor in Northwest Houston, Texas, please contact us today.

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