Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis happens when one of the vertebrae in your spine slips out of position and puts pressure on the vertebra below it. Spondylolisthesis is pronounced Spohn-di-low-less-THEE-sis.

Your spine is made of 33 stacked bones called vertebrae (the plural form of vertebra). Your vertebrae are linked together but can move a little bit as you move your body and change your posture.

Spondylolisthesis symptoms: Some people have spondylolisthesis and never experience symptoms. Very minor (low-grade) slippage may not put enough pressure on the rest of your spine or nerves to cause any symptoms. 

If you do have symptoms, they might include:

• Lower back pain.
• Sciatica (pain in your legs).
• Back stiffness.
• Difficulty walking or standing for more than a few minutes at a time.
• Numbness, weakness or tingling in your feet.

Causes of spondylolisthesis: What makes a vertebra slip out of alignment depends on which type of spondylolisthesis you have. The most common causes include: 

• Natural aging and wear and tear on your spinal disks.
• Having naturally thinner vertebrae than usual.
• Sports injuries.
• Growth spurts (in kids and teens).
• Traumas like falls or car accidents.

Diagnosis of spondylolisthesis: A healthcare provider will diagnose spondylolisthesis with a physical exam and imaging tests. They’ll examine your back and spine. Tell your provider when you first noticed pain or other symptoms, and if any activities or movements make the symptoms worse. Let your provider know what you were doing before symptoms started, especially if you know you experienced a specific injury.

Your provider will use a spinal X-ray to take pictures of your vertebrae. You might also need a CT scan (computed tomography scan) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to look for damage to your disks or nerves.

Treatment of spondylolisthesis: Most people with spondylolisthesis can manage their symptoms with nonsurgical treatments, including: 

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist will give you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your spine, including your back muscles and your core (your abdominal muscles). This can relieve stress on your spine and help you move better.
• Rest: Taking a break from sports and other intense physical activities reduces stress on your spine.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are prescription anti-inflammatory medications. Your provider might prescribe you an oral medication that you’ll take by mouth. They might also give you a cortisone shot directly into the affected area.
• Wearing a brace: If you have a vertebra fracture, your provider might recommend you wear a back brace to stabilize your spine. Your provider will tell you how long you’ll need to wear a brace.
• Medications: Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Don’t take over-the-counter pain relievers for more than 10 days in a row without talking to your provider. Talk to your provider before starting any at-home medications — they’ll tell you which ones are safe for you.

Spondylolisthesis exercises: After a thorough evaluation, your physical therapist will be able to provide you with a personalized home exercise program to help decrease pain due to spondylolisthesis.

This program often includes lumbar flexion exercises, core stabilization exercises, and exercises or stretches for the muscles of the back, hamstrings, and hips. Low-impact exercise such as cycling or swimming is also recommended to promote healing and decrease pain.

• Pelvic tilt
• Crunches
• Double knee to chest
• Multifidus activation
• Hamstring stretch

SPTRC in Shyamoli, Dhaka, is redefining spondylolisthesis physiotherapy by making it affordable without compromising on quality. Our mission goes beyond providing services; it’s about empowering the community to prioritize their health and well-being. Join us on this journey towards accessible, effective, and affordable spondylolisthesis physiotherapy at SPTRC Physiotherapy. Your health is our priority, and affordability is our commitment.

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