what is spondylolisthesis and its management?

Answer 1

Degenerative disc disease...surgery or cortisone shots. They also have a shot that deadens the nerves completely...so you can do a "Linda Blair".

Answer 2

AW had a very accurate reponse. In summary, spondylolisthesis occurs when there is a fatigue fracture at the pars interacticularis, or arch, of the vertebrae and then proceeds to slip forward over the adjacent vertebrae.

This condition ranges from mild (grade I) when the slippage has occurred less than 25% of the width of the vertebral body, to severe (grade IV) where it has slipped 75to 100%.

Grade I and II are usually characaterized by centralized low back pain without neurological symptoms. Often time, the finding is coincidental. Surgery is usually not indicated. Grades III and IV often involve some type of neurological injury such as pain into the lower extremity, weaknes, and (in the worst case scenarios) difficulty with bowel and bladder control. Surgery is usually indicated and involves fusing the vertebrae to prevent slippage.

Most causes of spondylolisthesis are idiopathic (or unknown), but there is a high association between this condition and involvement in sports that require excessive loading in a hyperextended spine during youth. Such examples include gymnastics and weight lifting.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

chiropractic treatments can be very beneficial in maintaining alignment for an individual with spondylolisthesis, or some other type of pain management. It depends on the severity. Don't let them cut you open though, you gotta watch those surgeons.
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article2687.html
Non-Surgical Treatment
If the spondylolisthesis is non-progressive, no treatment except observation is required. Symptoms often abate once precipitating activities cease. Conservative treatment includes 2 or 3 days of bed rest, restriction of activities causing stress to the lumbar spine (e.g. heavy lifting, stooping), physical therapy, anti-inflammatory and pain reducing medications, and/or a corset or brace.

A physician may prescribe a custom-made corset or brace. These are made by an orthotist, a professional who takes the patient's precise body measurements, which may include making a cast from which the molded orthoses is made.

Answer 4

Spondylolisthesis...I was diagnosed with it a few years ago and that's pretty much all that happened.

It is a stress fracture of sorts which occurs in the spine and basically what happens is the vertebrae are no longer aligned as they should be. A vertebra may be out of synch as it were and stick out either forwards or backwards.

Mine was a very slight case and the 'treatment' was Ibuprofen for as long as I could be bothered to take it for, as well as referral to physiotherapy for back exercises.

In more severe cases where the spinal cord may be compressed or there is pain which is not controllable using weak medication; surgery may be an option, this would involve re-aligning the vertebrae and possibly putting a pin or other device in to keep it aligned...another option may be fusing vertebrae.

So in conclusion, spondylolisthesis is when the vertebrae are not aligned. The management is either pain relief on its own, or combined with physiotherapy and/or surgery.

Answer 5

Ihave s.lysthesis for the past 8 yrs I cannot remember as to when or what caused this condition. In my early days during teens I had a mild Lumbar scoliosis the cause being unknown. Being an athlete it could have been probably the reason for the present state.The spinal surgeon advised me not to go fo surgery bec. Iam managing my daily chores though with very slow in walking and having tingling in both the legs in some particular position. Sometimes the legs are so stiff that Iwalk very slowly aand with some instability.Doctors advised me to follow conservative management and continue with exercises .Mine is a grade 1 S. lysthesis and by gods grace I have no pain in the back or Legs. Neuropathy is there which Iam managing somehow with periodic Injections of BiB12B6 and calcium etc etc.

Answer 6

Two of my patients have got spinal surgery in India.One was treated for spondylolistheis by spinal fusion and the other for disc replacement.Both of them are very happy with the results.Their pain and other symptoms due to nerve compression have totally gone.

Spinal Surgery is very cheap in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges spine surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.I have also read that they arrange financing for american and canadian patients as spine surgery is not covered by insurance.They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website.

The cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your spine surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.both my patients had gone to India through the forerunners healthcare company.i strongly recommend you to talk to this company,checkout your options with surgery from them.

http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com

Answer 7

it is when one vertebrae slips forwards on to the adjacent one, it will eventually deform the spine and cause a lot of pain.


Non-surgery management is to rest a lot and to do trunk and abdomen strenghtening excercises, usually under the supervision of physio therpaist.

You could also try taking anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen

Answer 8

Do you know who Mick Mars is? He's the guitarist for Motley Crew, and he has it. That's why he looks the way he does.

Answer 9

go to a library, check out a merck manual, look up the disease, and you will learn much. its easily understood.