This condition can range from asymptomatic to severely debilitating, impacting a person’s mobility and overall quality of life.
Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for spondylolisthesis is crucial for those affected and the healthcare professionals managing their care.
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition characterized by the displacement of one vertebra over an adjacent vertebra, often resulting in back pain and nerve compression.
This displacement can manifest in two main ways:
- Anterolisthesis, where the vertebra shifts forward, and
- Retrolisthesis, where the vertebra shifts backward
Spondylolisthesis is frequently preceded by spondylolysis, a degenerative or congenital condition affecting the vertebra.
Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
The symptoms of spondylolisthesis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and whether it is causing nerve compression.
Common symptoms include:
- Back stiffness
- Pain in your buttocks
- Muscle spasms in the legs
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the leg and/or foot
- Lower back pain
- Pain when bending over
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Spondylolisthesis vs. Spondylolysis
Spondylolisthesis involves the displacement of one vertebra in the spine, often caused by factors like degeneration, trauma, or spondylolysis—a defect in the pars interarticularis.
Spondylolysis is a specific stress fracture or congenital defect in this bony segment, weakening the vertebra’s integrity.
While spondylolysis may or may not present symptoms, it can predispose individuals to spondylolisthesis, where the affected vertebra shifts, causing symptoms like lower back pain, stiffness, and potential nerve compression.
Grades of Spondylolisthesis
To determine how severe spondylolisthesis is, there are grades from I to IV. Whether a surgical treatment is needed, is determined not only by the grade of the spondylolisthesis but also accompanying symptoms and neurologic deficits. Most of these cases are slowly progressive in time, so they need surgery sooner or later. It is advisable not to delay it until the symptoms are severe, as these may not improve sufficiently when it’s too late.
Spondylolisthesis Diagnosis
Dr. Martin will inquire about your symptoms and conduct imaging tests to assess if a vertebra is misaligned.
These tests may include:
- X-ray including bending views
- CT scan
- MRI scan
These tests can also help Dr Martin determine a grade for your spondylolisthesis and instability.
Treatment of Spondylolisthesis
The spondylolisthesis treatment in Dubai depends on various factors, including the severity of the condition, the presence of symptoms, and the impact on the patient’s daily life.
Treatment options can be broadly categorized into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical approaches:
Conservative Treatment:
- Physiotherapy: Engaging in exercises and physical therapy can improve the strength of the muscles supporting the spine, enhance flexibility, and alleviate pain.
- Pain Management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain medications may be prescribed for lower back pain treatment in Dubai.
- Bracing: In some cases, a back brace may be advised for added support and stability, particularly for individuals with spondylolisthesis in the early stages.
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as heavy lifting or excessive bending, can help reduce strain on the spine.
- Injections: Steroid injections, administered directly into the affected area, may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in spondylolisthesis.
Surgical Treatment:
Spinal decompression and Fusion: Surgical removal of ligaments, joints, bone and discs pressing on nerves to relieve pain and address neurological symptoms. Additionally connecting two or more vertebrae to limit movement and stabilize the spine. Bone grafts, metal screws, rods, and cages need to be used. Different surgical techniques might be used to achieve goal like PLIF, TLIF, OLLIF, XLIF, ALIF. Each of them has some advantages and disadvantages and most of them can be performed in minimally invasive approach.
Consult Dr. Martin Liner for Spondylolisthesis Treatment in Dubai
Dr. Martin Liner, a distinguished German board-certified neurosurgical consultant and spine surgeon in Dubai, brings over 20 years of experience to the forefront. His specialized approach involves cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures, ensuring comprehensive and effective treatment.
If you or a loved one is navigating spondylolisthesis, take the next step towards relief—consult Dr. Martin Liner for personalized and advanced spondylolisthesis care in Dubai.
