Getting Relief from Spondylolisthesis
If you suffer from a spinal condition called spondylolisthesis, contact Key Clinics for relief. At our trusted and respected clinic spearheaded by Dr. Joel D. Siegal, a board-certified neurosurgeon, we work with patients who have this condition as well as many others.
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
With this spinal condition, one of the vertebrae of the spine slips in relation to the vertebrae above or below, thereby resting in front of or behind the adjacent vertebrae. The body’s attempt to keep the vertebrae still can result in extreme pain in the lower back (lumbar) region or neck (cervical).
Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
Although lower back pain is the most common complaint made by people with this spinal condition, there are also other symptoms to look out for. For instance, spondylolisthesis leads to tenderness in the lower back region, a stiff back and legs, tight muscles in the buttocks and hamstring, and pain in the thighs. In mild cases, some patients have no symptoms at all or very few. However, when it is severe, most people find it difficult to perform even simple daily tasks.
Causes of Spondylolisthesis
Several things contribute to the development of this spinal condition, including heredity, lifestyle, and age. Interestingly, when genetics plays a role, an entire family could suffer from this condition, regardless of their ages. Teenagers who go through rapid growth spurts can develop spondylolisthesis, as can infants and toddlers in response to an injury or birth defect.
At Key Clinics, Dr. Siegal and his medical staff see many cases of spondylolisthesis as the result of participating in sports like football, track and field, weightlifting, and gymnastics. There are times when spondylosis, which is a fractured vertebra, is a precursor for developing Spondylolisthesis.
Proper Diagnosis and Treatment of Spondylolisthesis
Dr. Siegal begins every patient experience with a physical examination, followed by a series of tests to determine the cause of the pain and find the proper diagnosis. Typically, this consists of standard X-rays. However, if Dr. Siegal suspects a compressed nerve due to a misplaced bone, he may also order a CT scan and an MRI.
Based on the severity of the condition as well as any secondary findings, Dr. Siegal will recommend the safest and most effective treatment. Along with non-surgical options, such as physical therapy, wearing a back brace, receiving steroid injections, and taking over-the-counter medication for pain, Dr. Siegal may perform a surgical procedure called a spinal fusion.
This surgery corrects the misplaced vertebra. If necessary, a metal rod and bone graft stabilize the spine. When performed by a skilled neurosurgeon like Dr. Siegal, patients do quite well after recovery.
Contact us at Key Clinics if you have lower back pain that might be the result of spondylolisthesis. Instead of living with pain, you want to do something about it as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. After consulting with Dr. Siegal, you will have a much better idea as to the problem and the best form of treatment. No matter what you learn after your consultation, the entire staff at Key Clinics is here to help. Our goal is to help you regain your full health, wellness, and quality of life.
