What Is Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis in an acquired anterior displacement of a vertebra, in relation to the lower one, that is attributed to degenerative alterations to joints and lingaments of the vertebra, due to load and muscles imbalance. Although it seldom appears in the cervical region, Spondylolisthesis ir refered to the lumbar region of the spine. Particularly common is the affection of L4-L5 level and less often of L5-S1 lever. Most patients with Spondylolisthesis that do not have neurological symptoms have good results with conservative treatment, while those who do have, are refered to a Doctor.
What are the Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
Patients with Spondylolisthesis may have the following symptoms :
- Low back pain
- Pain when raising
- Pain when sitting
- Difficulty raising
- Numbness, hyposensitivity, muscle weakness
Risk Factors of Spondylolisthesis
The risk factors of developing Spondylolisthesis are :
- Age
- High BMI
- Sports that stress the spine
- Professions that have weight bearing
- Weak muscle system
- Genetic factors
What If I do not treat Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis if not treated may develop :
- Chronic low back pain
- Spine deformation
- Neurological symptoms
- Functional restrictions
- Quality of life deterioration
How Can Physical Therapy Help
Physical Therapy is essential to treating Spondylolisthesis. It helps relief pain in acute condition, and restore mobility of the spine and strength, so that the patient returns to everyday functional activities, and averts frequent acute and chronic conditions. Interventions used :
After reliefing acute pain, it is necessary to prescribe a structured exercise program, that will provide long term symptoms relief, and quality of life improvment. A structured exercise program includes :
- Body flexors strengthening
- Stabilization exercises
- Core strengthening
- Lower limb strengthening
- Aerobic training
- Home exercise program
If you have Spondylolisthesis Contact PhysioDanali today for expert consultation.
References
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