Spondylolisthesis can cause chronic pain and significantly impact the quality of life of people who have been diagnosed with it. In this mini-guide, we’ll discover effective strategies for managing the persistent discomfort associated with the condition, including the benefits of spondylolisthesis treatment surgery
An Introduction to Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, in rare cases, multiple vertebrae can also slip. This misalignment can put pressure on nerves and cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. The severity of symptoms can vary, but for many, the resulting chronic pain requires ongoing treatment and possibly even surgery.
Spondylolisthesis Treatment
Effectively managing chronic pain from spondylolisthesis often requires a combination of treatments. No single approach works for everyone, as every person’s body and physical makeup is unique. Once diagnosed, a doctor will devise a personalized pain management plan that will primarily consist of medication, physical Therapy, and exercise.
The doctor will also take the time to educate patients about their condition to understand the cause and intricacies of spondylolisthesis. This is crucial for effective pain management, to recognize pain triggers, and to learn the fundamentals of self-care.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy (PT) plays a key role in managing spondylolisthesis-related pain. A qualified physical therapist can design a program to strengthen core and back muscles and improve flexibility, posture, and range of motion.
A PT program will usually include low-impact exercises such as swimming and walking to maintain fitness without exacerbating symptoms. Alternative exercises may include yoga and pilates under the guidance of an expert to help stretch the back muscles and boost flexibility further.
Medication
Commonly prescribed medication to reduce pain symptoms caused by spondylolisthesis are over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or naproxen), muscle relaxants to reduce spasms, strong painkillers, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants for nerve pain. For severe pain, a doctor may even prescribe opiates or painkilling injections that administer nerve blocks or steroids epidurally.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle modifications can also have a significant impact when it comes to alleviating pain and other symptoms. This could involve taking steps to maintain good posture, using ergonomic furniture and equipment, avoiding activities that exacerbate pain, improving sleeping routines, and better managing stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices.
Weight Management is also essential to boosting spine health as carrying excess weight can put additional stress on the spine, potentially worsening spondylolisthesis symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through a proper diet and regular exercise can help reduce pain and a person’s overall physical condition.
Seeking the services of a professional dietician can be advantageous in terms of designing a healthy meal plan that promotes a healthy spine and avoids weight gain.
Back Bracing
Many people report significant benefits of wearing a back brace in terms of managing pain symptoms. Bracing is especially common in sportspeople and athletes, or those with physically demanding jobs. Back braces provide support and limit movement that might cause pain. However, long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare professional to avoid muscle weakness and incorrect use that may lead to a person’s posture becoming contorted.
Alternative Treatments
If a person wishes to avoid the use of medication and is seeking a more natural cure to their spondylolisthesis symptoms then there are a range of alternative treatments to be considered. However, it should be noted that most of these therapies should always be delivered or supervised by a professional.
Hot and cold therapy is a popular alternative therapy for back pain and involves alternating between heat and cold treatments to reduce inflammation and muscle stiffness, numb pain, and improve blood flow. Experimenting with timing and duration can help determine the most effective approach for individual symptoms. Manual therapies like chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and osteopathic manipulation can also be very effective.
For severe or persistent pain, interventional techniques may be recommended such as radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to disable nerves that transmit pain signals, while spinal cord stimulation uses electrical signals to hide the presence of pain.
Spondylolisthesis-Related Stress and Depression
Pain and a loss of mobility caused by spondylolisthesis can result in increased stress levels, anxiety, and even depression. With the help of a trained professional, a person who is struggling with the impact of spondylolisthesis needs to develop coping strategies in addition to managing their pain.
For relief at home, a person could also practice mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises or tai chi, or perhaps consider aromatherapy while taking a bath. Each person destresses and finds calm in different ways, so each needs to find out what works for them.
Spondylolisthesis Surgery
While many people with spondylolisthesis can manage their symptoms effectively with non-surgical approaches, surgery may be considered in cases of severe or progressive slippage of vertebrae or persistent pain that significantly impacts quality of life. Prolonged neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the legs can also require surgery if primary treatments have little effect.
In a medical consultation, a doctor will discuss the potential benefits against risks of surgery, as well as the responsibility of the patient and self-management post-op. Typical surgical options include spinal fusion or decompression procedures.
Similar Spine Conditions
Several spine conditions may lead to similar symptoms that are similar to spondylolisthesis. Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal which can also result in compression of the nerves and spinal cord. Meanwhile, ankylosing spondylitis is a condition in which the spine becomes inflamed and spondylosis is a type of arthritis that affects the vertebral joints. Finally, spondylolysis is caused by a fracture to the pars interarticularis, the arched bones that connect the vertebrae.
Other spine issues that may result in back pain are a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal tumors, spinal fractures, and sciatica.
