How To Relieve Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition, commonly called a slipped disc, that affects the lower vertebrae of the spine and causes one of the vertebrae to slip forward onto the bone right underneath it. The condition can occur in adults and children. Additionally, it is a contributing factor to spondylolisthesis occurring is thought to be participating in certain sports, like gymnastics, diving, and football. It can cause a lot of pain, but there are usually various ways to mitigate the symptoms. Get to know the most effective ways to treat spondylolisthesis and live a healthier and pain-free life now.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion surgery may be necessary if the slippage is so great that nonsurgical methods will not correct the problem or if the bones are compressing nerves in the spine. In this surgery, doctors replace the spacing between the vertebrae with bone grafts left when a damaged disc is removed. The bone graft will fuse two vertebrae and prevent them from moving independently. To ensure stability and increased success in the procedure, doctors can place plates, screws, and rods along the spine, which will also help the spine heal faster. After spinal fusion, patients might have limited flexibility, so they will have to learn how to do certain things, like walking, sitting, and standing. Without learning these things, safety could be compromised.
As with many surgeries, there can be complications, including the surgery not relieving the pain and discomfort caused by spondylolisthesis. Some of the complications include blood clots, infection, respiratory problems, wound healing problems, and heart attack. It might take a few months to heal from the surgery, but the symptoms and strength should improve during this time.
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Wear A Back Brace
Wearing a back brace can help with symptoms and support of the spine, reducing the pain from spondylolisthesis. Braces are usually made of hard plastic and can be made to custom fit, or patients can try a ready-made version. However, a custom fit will make sure it is contouring to the patient's body and provide less irritation and better fit. To get a custom fit brace, the orthotist will have to make a mold of patient's body and have the brace made in that form. Patients will receive instructions with their brace, including when to wear it. Just like any brace or orthotic, the amount of time it's used will start small and increase over time. This allows the body to get used to the device and begin to adjust to the support it is providing. For the most part, the brace will need to be worn under clothing. The exception to this is patients should wear a snug t-shirt under it, as this absorbs sweat and reduces the chance of skin irritation.
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Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication As Directed
Medication can help reduce pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation in the spine. However, it is important not to take more of the medication than prescribed. This is especially important if the doctor is prescribing opioids, as it is easy to become addicted to this kind of medication and need more and more of the medication to relieve the pain. Furthermore, it can lead to devastating consequences, including overdose.
Making sure to communicate with their doctor is important for patients. If the amount prescribed is not helping, they should let their doctor know so they can try something else. Taking more of the same medication will not help. Patients may need other interventions, maybe even surgery, to help with spondylolisthesis.
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Engage In Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps reduce some of the symptoms of spondylolisthesis. A physical therapist can help teach exercises that will help strengthen abdominal muscles, which will support the back. It is crucial a trained professional teaches patients these exercises because they will be able to demonstrate the proper way to do them so patients do not worsen their symptoms. Physical therapy can include both passive and active therapies, which means the therapist might use ice or heat on specific areas in addition to stretching and pain relief exercises.
As patients continue with physical therapy, they might notice they are experiencing less pain and more range of motion. However, not every case will positively reactive to physical therapy. If a patient is not experiencing any reduction in symptoms or symptoms are getting worse, they must let their physical therapist and doctor know. This may be a sign another kind of treatment is necessary.
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Swimming
Swimming can be beneficial in reducing symptoms and providing therapy for spondylolisthesis. When an individual is in the water, the body becomes buoyant. Therefore, all their weight is not being felt by the spine. Furthermore, because they are in the water, the spine lengthens naturally, taking pressure off any nerves being compressed, resulting in pain relief. While in the water, patients can engage in exercises that will help strengthen their core muscles. When they strengthen their core muscles, they provide more support for their back.
Additionally, if a patient needs to lose weight, which will reduce stress on the back, it is easier to do it in the water because they do not have to support their full body weight. Patients need to make sure to consult with their doctor to determine which exercises are best. Patients with spondylolisthesis should not engage in things like freestyle swimming because they could cause too much twisting and can potentially make the pain worse.