Spondylolisthesis
Back & Neck Pain Treatments
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition characterized by a misalignment of the vertebrae and is usually the result of a severely weakened vertebra due to a stress fracture. This fracture causes the vertebrae to weaken and shift from its normal anatomic position. The condition is common among young athletes that compete in high impact sports such as gymnastics, football and hockey. Athletes who participate in sports that require lots of twisting, turning, bending, and jumping are most at risk.
If you have Spondylolisthesis the symptoms can include:
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Back pain
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Pain that radiates into the extremities
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Muscle spasms
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Spine stiffness
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Hamstring tightness/pain/tenderness
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Difficulty weight bearing
The Spine Team at OSS Health has helped thousands of patients with Spondylolisthesis return to an active and healthy lifestyle using a variety of treatment options.
How is Spondylolisthesis Treated at OSS Health?
At OSS Health, the first course of treatment for Spondylolisthesis is a non-surgical approach.
These treatments can include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Injections
Surgical Treatment for Spondylolisthesis
In severe cases, or if non-surgical options have not alleviated the symptoms, a Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion may be recommended by your OSS Health Spine Surgeon.
During the procedure, your OSS Health Spine Surgeon realigns the vertebra and joins it to an adjacent vertebra using small rods and screws. Following surgery, the joined vertebrae heal as a single bone, proper spine anatomy is restored and symptoms decrease.