WHAT SPONDYLOLISTHESIS TREATMENT IS BEST FOR YOU?
You may have spondylolisthesis and not have any symptoms associated with it. A large number of my patients over the years had spondylolisthesis. Most of the time their condition was stable and not the cause of their back pain. I found that patients with spondylolisthesis often had unhealthy spinal mechanics because of this condition and chiropractic care was very helpful at relieving their back pain. Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in evaluating and treating the different types of low back problems you could have such as spondylolisthesis. Conservative Spondylolisthesis TreatmentThere are a number of treatments that have helped my patients who had spondylolisthesis.Chiropractic adjustment Chiropractic Adjustments can be used on spinal joints above and below the spondylolisthesis to restore normal motion and mechanics.Flexion-distraction technique Uses a special chiropractic table to gently stretch the spine which reduces disc pressures, widens the spinal canal area, and reduces pain. Rest Resting for a few days and avoiding activities such as vigorous bending, twisting, or athletic activities may be the only spondylolisthesis treatment one needs to get relief from the symptoms. Trigger Point therapy Is used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists to relieve pain and tightness caused by irritable points in muscles. There are tools available that make self treatment of Trigger Points easy to do in the comfort of your own home. The one that I keep next to my desk for use when my shoulders start getting tight can be seen here Body Back Buddy Self Massage Tool. If you are unsuccessful at relieving your Trigger Points yourself you can go to your chiropractor or therapist.
Electrical therapy Stretching The hamstring muscles in the back of your thighs tend to get tight with spondylolisthesis. Regular stretching of these muscles can relieve some of the leg pain and stiffness common with spondylolisthesis. Strengthening exercises Your doctor or therapist will want you to strengthen the deep support muscles of your lower back. These muscles include the transverse abdominus and internal obliques. Spinal stabilization exercises such as the pelvic tilt will strengthen these muscles and prevent future recurrences of pain. Lower Back Brace Braces limit the normal motion of your spine. This extra support can speed relief of back pain related to spondylolisthesis. The brace I recommend for patients with spondylolisthesis can be seen by visiting this link- My recommended Lumbar Support Brace Boston Overlap Brace In young patients with an active spondylolisthesis found on an MRI scan, the Boston Overlap brace will reduce the pressure on the spine and allow healing to occur. Weight loss Extra weight especially in your abdomen puts excessive stress on your lower back. If you have spondylolisthesis you would feel best at the ideal weight for your height. Stop smoking Smoking cigarettes have been found to slow the healing of bones. Non-smokers heal considerably faster and more completely than smokers.
Ice/Cold Therapy Heat Therapy There are many types of heat therapy that you may find very comfortable to receive and many types do not have the dangerous side effects of medication. The following link will bring you to the Far-Infrared Heating Pad that I recommend for patients with spondylolisthesis.
Pain Relief Gel While you may not be allowed to participate in some of your favorite sports activities, your physician, or therapist can help you identify activities that you can participate in, such as swimming, walking in water (i.e., hydro-therapy), and land walking to help you maintain a strong musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors and Physical therapists will teach you how to modify aspects of your daily routine in order to protect yourself against further injury (e.g., how to lift properly, movements to avoid, how to maintain proper posture).
Non-Conservative Spondylolisthesis TreatmentWhen conservative spondylolisthesis treatment is not successful at pain relief you have more options.Medication Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may help relieve inflammation and pain. Analgesics such as Acetaminophen or Tylenol can relieve pain. Oral steroids can be prescribed Epidural steroid injections can be utilized if over the counter and prescription medication is not effective. With all medications you must follow your doctors advice precisely. Surgical Treatment Surgery may be recommended if conservative measures (e.g., rest, therapy, bracing), have not improved your condition. Two of the most common surgeries for spondylolisthesis are a spinal fusion for stabilization or a decompressive laminectomy which reduces irritation and inflammation followed by a spinal fusion. To Your Best Health, Dr. Cliff
Spondylolisthesis Symptoms Return from spondylolisthesis treatment to Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Return from spondylolisthesis treatment to Back Pain Treatment and Relief.com
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