What is Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Lumbar spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that affects the lower vertebrae (lumbar spinal bones). This disease causes one of the lower vertebrae to slip forward onto the bone directly beneath it.
It’s a painful condition but treatable in most cases, through either therapeutic and surgical spinal procedures methods.
What are the Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
You may not experience any symptoms of spondylolisthesis. If you do have symptoms, lower back pain is most common. The pain may extend to the buttocks and down the thighs. You may also experience:
- Muscle spasms in the hamstring
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
- Pain when bending over
- Numbness, weakness or tingling in the foot
Getting a Spondylolisthesis Diagnosis
If your spondylolisthesis symptoms have already led you to receive a MRI or other form of imaging, we invite you to send this imaging to us for an expert diagnosis. Use the convenient and secure “upload your imaging” button to the right, and follow the short, simple steps.
Our expert spine neurosurgery clinic will automatically receive your files and then contact you to discuss a plan for your best quality of life.
How to Avoid Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Surgery
We view surgery as a last resort, and encourage exhausting all options before considering surgery for this condition. Non-surgical treatment options include:
- Rest: Take a break from strenuous activities and sports
- Medication: An over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can bring relief
- Injections: An injection of steroid medications into the affected area
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you targeted exercises to strengthen your abdomen (belly) and back
Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Treatments
- Medications
- Heat and/or ice application
- Physical Therapy
- Manual manipulation
- Epidural steroid injections
- Spondylolisthesis Surgery
Ready for relief? Schedule an e-consult with Dr. Morrison to discuss your treatment options today.
Spondylolisthesis Prognosis
The prognosis for patients with spondylolisthesis is good. Most patients respond well to a conservative treatment plan, and that is our preferred approach at The Morrison Clinic™. In fact, in an effort to help our patients avoid surgery altogether, we offer personalized back pain care services.
For those with continued severe symptoms, surgery can help alleviate the leg symptoms by creating more space for the nerve roots. The back pain can be reduced through a lumbar fusion.
Conditions
Immediately following surgery, I was standing and walking pain free. I am enjoying my life again and have Dr. Morrison to thank!
