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Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Physiotherapy


In spondylolisthesis, the vertebrae slip out of place and rest on the bone below it. And these slipped vertebrae puts stress on the nerve which results in pain in the lower back and legs. This painful condition can be treated with therapeutic as well as surgical methods. Proper exercise techniques prevent developing spondylolisthesis. 

What are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis:
  1. Chronic back pain
  2. Muscles become tightened and stiffed
  3. Pain radiated in the legs
  4. Pain worsens with activity
  5. The patient feels difficulty in walking and standing.
What are the types of spondylolisthesis?
  1. Congenital Spondylolisthesis: This type of disorder is characterized by the presence of a condition at birth. 
  2. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: In this type, the vertebrae become thin, so it is easy to slip out of the place. 
  3. Traumatic Spondylolisthesis: Sometimes vertebrae slip out due to trauma and injury and are known as traumatic spondylolisthesis. 
  4. Pathological Spondylolisthesis: It occurs due to some pathological condition .i.e. osteoporosis or cancer. 
  5. Post-Surgical Spondylolisthesis: Sometimes vertebra slips out after spinal surgery and causes post-surgical spondylolisthesis. 
What are the causes of spondylolisthesis?
  • Sports: 

  • Those sports include overstretching and stress on the lower back .i.e. gymnastics, football, weightlifting, track, and field.
  • Degenerative Spinal Condition
  • Aging
  • People who have a thin area of vertebrae have more risk of developing spondylolisthesis.
How to diagnose spondylolisthesis?
The doctor will ask about the symptoms and will perform some tests to confirm whether the vertebra is slipped or not. These tests are:
  • X-ray
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
Spondylolisthesis Treatment? 
The remedy for spondylolisthesis relies upon the severity of pain and vertebra slippage. It's important to avoid contact sports during the healing process. The pain can be lowered or managed with nonsurgical treatment. Also, the bone can come into the position with nonsurgical treatment. 

Non-surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis:

Rest: The patient should take a rest and avoid playing sports. 

Medicine: NSAIDs .i.e. ibuprofen, and naproxen will help in relieving pain. 

Steroid Injection: Steroid injections are injected into the affected area.

Bracing: Brace will stabilize the spine and restricts movement. Bracing will help in healing the fracture. Do not recommend adults to wear braces. 

Physiotherapy of spondylolisthesis:
In physiotherapy, the rehabilitation exercise program is designed to improve muscle balance. Pain is relieved within few weeks after performing the daily exercise. 
Some useful exercises include:
  • Isometric and isotonic exercises help strengthen the muscles of the trunk and stabilize the spine. 
  • Core stability exercise will reduce the pain and disability in chronic low back pain. 
  • Gait Training
  • Stretching and strengthening exercise
  • Balance training and endurance training
When surgery is preferred for spondylolisthesis?
Surgery is recommended in high-grade spondylolisthesis .i.e. severe pain or in which nonsurgical treatment is failed. Surgery aims to relieve pain, stabilize the spine, and restore normal function. 

Spondylosis:
Spondylosis is a different condition and is also known as spinal arthritis. Spine degeneration occurs in spondylosis along with wear and tear of the spine.

Spondylolysis: 
 In spondylolysis, the patient suffers from weakness and stress fracture on the vertebrae. This condition occurs in children and adolescents who play sports .i.e. gymnastics, football, and weightlifting. 

Ankylosing Spondylitis:
It is the inflammation of the spine causing vertebrae to amalgamate. The flexibility of spine decreases with this amalgamation and causes hunched-forward posture. The person will feel difficulty while breathing if ribs are affected.

Conclusion:
In this article, we have covered the basic knowledge of spondylolisthesis. We have covered symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of spondylolisthesis. Further, we have covered the role of physiotherapy in spondylolisthesis. If you have any questions or you want to add more about this topic, you can mention it in the comment box.





 
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