Spine Health & Spinal Hygiene

Introduction

The back’s primary purpose is to bend, twist, and turn without pain in the body because the spine keeps the body upright and healthy. The spine is an S-shaped structure surrounded by ligaments, muscles, tissues from the musculoskeletal system, and the spinal canal, discs, and cords that help the body stay functional. When chronic issues start to affect the entire body, they can also affect the back, causing it to be in pain. When this happens, many back issues begin to rise, causing the individual to be in pain due to low back pain. Sometimes even conditions and natural aging can cause problems on the back and spine that treatments are available to help alleviate the symptoms and reduce pain. Today’s article will be looking at spondylolisthesis, its symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help many individuals suffering from spondylolisthesis. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

What Is Spondylolisthesis?

Have you ever felt unstable as you are moving throughout the day? How about radiating pain that travels down your legs? Or having low back pain dampening your day? You might be experiencing spondylolisthesis in your spine. Research studies have stated that spondylolisthesis is a condition that affects the lower lumbar spine by causing the spinal disc to slip out and press on the spinal nerve root. When this happens, it can cause low back pain and various issues on the spine depending on what condition the category spondylolisthesis falls under.

Spondylolisthesis can be classified into five different categories that can affect the spine. Other research studies have found that the five categories that spondylolisthesis is classified under are:

• Degenerative: Where the spinal joints are arthritic and cause stress and instability to the ligamentum flavum.
• Isthmic: There are fractures on the spinal joints that cause the result of anterior slippage through repetitive stress fractures on the spine.
• Traumatic: Where the spine experiences high energy trauma.
• Dysplastic: When there is congenital dysplasia on the spine causing the anterior and superior joints to be rounded on the vertebrae
• Pathologic: Where conditions like bone tumors, osteopetrosis, or osteoporosis affect the spine.

These different categories are the causes of spondylolisthesis and result from low back pain for many individuals, while also being unilateral and bilateral depending on the category and how severe the symptoms are.

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez discusses spondylolisthesis or a forward slip of a vertebra.

The word spondylolisthesis derives from two parts: spondylo which means spine, and listhesis which means slippage. Spondylolisthesis generally happens towards the bottom of your spine in the lumbar area.
 
This x-ray reveals spondylolisthesis in the lumbar spine. Look at where the arrow is pointing: you are able to note that the vertebra above the arrow has slipped out over the vertebra below it.

Spondylolisthesis Grades

Spondylolisthesis may be described based on its level of severity. One description grades that are commonly used spondylolisthesis, with grade 1 being least advanced, and grade 5 being advanced. By quantifying just how much of a vertebral body has slipped forward on the body beneath it, the spondylolisthesis is graded.

• Grade 1 25% of vertebral body has stolen forward
• Grade 2 50%
• Grade 3 75%
• Grade 4 100%
• Class 5  Vertebral body completely fallen off (i.e.,spondyloptosis)

How People Get Spondylolisthesis?

Around 5%- 6% of men, and 2% -3% of females have a spondylolisthesis.

It becomes clear more frequently in individuals who are involved with very physical activities like football, gymnastics, or weightlifting.

Males are far more likely than females to develop symptoms in the illness, chiefly because of their engaging in more physical tasks.

Though some kids under the age of five could be predisposed towards having a spondylolisthesis, or may indeed have a spondylolisthesis that is undetected, it’s uncommon that such young kids are diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. The increased physical activities of adolescence and adulthood, combined with the wear-and-tear of daily life, result in spondylolisthesis being most common among grownups and teenagers.


Types Of Spondylolisthesis

Different types of spondylolisthesis may be caused in a various ways. Some examples are:

Developmental Spondylolisthesis:

This type of spondylolisthesis may develop during childhood, or may exist at birth, but typically isn’t detected until later in childhood or even in adult life.

Acquired Spondylolisthesis:

Acquired spondylolisthesis could be caused in 1 of 2 manners:

• With all the day-to-day anxieties which are put on a back, such as taking heavy items and physical sports, the spine may wear out (ie, degenerate). As the links involving the vertebrae weaken, this can result in spondylolisthesis.
• A single or recurrent force being put on the spine may cause spondylolisthesis; for example, the impact of falling off the standard impact to the spine, or a ladder and landing on your feet put by offensive linemen playing football.

What Symptoms Might I See ?

A lot of people having a spondylolisthesis will have no symptoms and will only become aware of the issue when it is revealed on an x-ray for a difficulty that is different. Nevertheless, you will find numerous symptoms that commonly accompany spondylolisthesis:

• Pain in the low back, especially after exercise
• Increased lordosis (ie, swayback).
• Pain and/or weakness in one or both thighs or legs
• Reduced ability to control bowel and bladder functions
• Tight hamstring musculature
• In cases of spondylolisthesis that is complex changes may happen in the way in which individuals walk and stand; for example, development of a waddling style of walking. This causes the abdomen to protrude further, as a result of the lowbackcurving forward more. The torso (chest, etc.) may seem shorter; and muscle spasms in the lowback may occur.

Chiropractic care is a drug-free, nonsurgical treatment for many types of conditions and to help manage pain. As more and more medical professionals are recognizing its effectiveness and viability for treating many issues in the body, chiropractic is gaining popularity and becoming the treatment of choice for many patients with chronic pain, back problems and other issues. In particular, it has been found to be a very effective treatment for spondylolisthesis. It can not only relieve the pain, but often return the patient’s mobility as well.

What Is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slides forward over the vertebra that is below it. It is typically confined to the lumbosacral, or lower back area. It can become painful, causing lower back pain and weakness or numbness in one or both legs, when it causes the nerve roots or spinal cord to be squeezed. In severe cases, a patient can lose control of their bowel or bladder function, but this is fairly rare. However, any patient who begins to lose bowel or bladder control should contact their doctor immediately.

In some cases, a person’s vertebra can slip out of place without any symptoms being present. Sometimes the symptoms don’t show up until months or even years later. Symptoms of spondylolisthesis may include:

• Low back pain
• Pain in the buttock area
• Pain that radiates from the lower back down one or both legs
• Weakness in one or both legs
• Leg muscles feel tight (one or both legs)
• Limping or walking difficulties
• Loss of bower or bladder control (rare)
• Pain that increases when twisting or bending

How Is Spondylolisthesis Diagnosed?

Spondylolisthesis is diagnosed by a doctor or chiropractor who may conduct several diagnostic tests. Typically, the doctor will take X-rays of the patient’s back to rule out certain conditions, especially if they suspect spondylolisthesis.

The X-ray will allow the doctor to see if any of the patient’s vertebrae have slipped out of place, or are cracked or fractured. An MRI or CT scan may also be ordered to better view the spine and see the extent of the damage.

What Are The Treatments For Spondylolisthesis?

The treatment for spondylolisthesis is based on the actual damage identified by the doctor, the pain and mobility problems that the patient is experiencing, and the overall severity of the condition. Rest is the first course of treatment as well as ceasing the physical activities that may have caused the damage in the first place.

Pain may be managed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen. Acetaminophen may also be administered for pain.

Other treatments for spondylolisthesis include:

• Bracing
• Weight loss (if the person is obese or overweight)
• Physical therapy to strengthen the core
• Epidural steroid injections
• Surgery (in severe cases such as damage to the spinal cord or nerve root)

There are several types of surgery that may be used to treat spondylolisthesis. The surgeon may remove tissue or bone in order to relieve pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. Sometimes the doctor may opt for fusing the damaged bones into place so they can no longer slip. In some cases, both procedures are done. This type of treatment is usually a last resort because recovery can be lengthy and the patient will have to wear a back brace or cast while their back is healing.

Is Chiropractic Effective For Treating Spondylolisthesis?

Chiropractic is a drug-free, noninvasive treatment for spondylolisthesis. It is often a preferred treatment because the patient does not have to undergo painful surgery or take medication that could have undesirable side effects. There are three primary spinal manipulation techniques that may be used by the chiropractor:

• Spinal manipulation specific to the restricted or impaired joints
• Flexion-distraction technique which is a slow, gentle pumping action
• Instrument assisted manipulation uses an instrument to apply gentle force to the spine

Chiropractic care has been found to be very effective in treating this condition, but prevention is always the best course of action. Regular exercise, healthy weight management, and regular chiropractic visits can help ward off many spine related conditions including spondylolisthesis.

Injury Medical Clinic: El Paso Chiropractor 79936