Spondylolisthesis is a condition that affects your back. Sometimes, it results from a congenital disability and manifests in early childhood. It commonly results from arthritis, stress on the back due to athletic activity, or a fracture.
Long-term back pain is one of the most common side effects of this condition. If you think you might have spondylolisthesis, it’s time to look for a doctor who can help you experience relief and recovery.
At The Spine and Pain Center of California, our provider Dr. Navin Mahallavaram provides many treatment options for back pain that will help to minimize your discomfort so that you may use physical therapy to work through the problem.
The lowdown on spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is caused when a bone in the spine shifts out of place onto a lower bone. This condition can present anywhere from mild to severe. It might occur due to natural wear and tear or possibly because of athletic activities like weightlifting or playing football. People with a family history of spondylolisthesis or similar problems have an increased risk.
In some cases, x-rays or CT scans might be necessary to determine if spondylolisthesis is the culprit of your pain. For many patients, exercises that allow for the muscles in the lower back to strengthen and stretch are helpful in this situation. But this isn’t always the case.
Sometimes, the pain might be too severe to allow for simple exercises, let alone the more intensive physical therapy needed for a full recovery. This is why pain may need to be treated with steroid injections, PRP therapy, radiofrequency ablation therapy, and more before recovery can be reached.
What spondylolisthesis does to your back
This condition can affect your back in several ways. For one, it causes lower back pain, which can become more severe depending on the intensity of your specific situation. It also causes tenderness and stiffness in that area and pain in the hamstrings, buttocks, and legs.
In most cases, noninvasive procedures like those mentioned above can help treat low back pain caused by spondylolisthesis. But some individuals experience additional, more intense side effects that can affect the back in the long term.
One of these effects is called lordosis or swayback. Swayback causes the lower spine to curve downward. If the condition is not treated, another condition called kyphosis, also known as round back, may occur. This happens when the upper spine falls onto the lower, which causes the spine to round toward the top, pushing the head forward.
As such, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible for spondylolisthesis. If you are struggling with the ability to work through the discomfort caused by the illness, we offer many treatments for chronic pain that can help you through this part of the problem.
Do I have spondylolisthesis?
If you think this condition might be affecting you, you shouldn’t wait to seek treatment. There are many opportunities available to help you minimize your pain, gain back your ability to move, and eventually feel like yourself again.
We’re here to help you begin on your journey toward healing. Call or make an appointment online for our Fremont or Pleasanton, CA office today.
