What Is Spondylolisthesis and Can Chiropractic Help?
Living with ongoing back pain can significantly diminish your quality of life, especially if that pain is due to a complicated condition like spondylolisthesis. If you have been diagnosed or believe this is your issue, you are likely asking the question, "What is spondylolisthesis, and how can chiropractic care help?" In this blog, let us define spondylolisthesis and discuss chiropractic treatment options that could help you find relief and improve your range of motion and mobility.
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
Definition & Overview
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which one of the vertebrae has slipped forward over the one below, which can cause nerve and spinal cord compression, resulting in chronic pain and instability, especially in the lower back (lumbar spine).
Types of Spondylolisthesis
Understanding the type of spondylolisthesis can help determine the best treatment options for that type:
● Isthmic (most commonly referred to as a stress fracture)
● Degenerative (degenerative arthritis related to aging)
● Congenital (present at birth)
● Traumatic (potentially due to some kind of accident)
● Pathologic (due to disease)
● Post-surgical (after spinal surgery)
Cause & Risk Factors
● Athletics with characteristics of chronic repetitive stress to the spine
● Degeneration related to aging
● GeneticsVehicle, Fall, or a Sports-related Trauma
● Poor posture or biomechanical issues
Mechanism of Injury
● Chronic pain in the lower back
● Muscle tightness or spasms
● Radiating pain into your legs or buttocks
● Difficulty standing and/or walking
● Numbness/tingling
Assessing Spondylolisthesis
Physical & Clinical Examination
Chiropractors and physicians observe your posture for evaluation, they palpate to assess tenderness, and assess your range of motion to assess your spine for stability.
Diagnostic Imaging
X-Rays, MRI's, or CT scans provide a very definitive way to assess the degree of slippage of your vertebral segments. Your radiologist will assign a grading from I (minimal) - V (severe).
Common Treatments
Medication & Pain Management
Short-term relief from NSAIDs, lumbar or cervical epidural injections, or muscle relaxants.
Physical Therapy
Custom exercise programs that can help improve core strength, spine stability, and flexibility.
Surgical Procedures
In extreme circumstances (grades IV - V), spinal fusion surgery and/or decompression surgery may be warranted.
Chiropractic Care for Spondylolisthesis: A Natural Alternative
Chiropractic Principles & Philosophy
Chiropractic principles are founded on health through a well-aligned spine and properly functioning nervous system. The objective is to eradicate imbalances and movement dysfunction that create pain and contribute to discomfort.
Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments
● Decreased inflammation
● Increased spinal range of motion
● Decreased pressure on the nerves
● Increased muscle support around the spine
Safety Chiropractic care is safe with the right diagnosis and gentle individualized technique. Your chiropractor does not perform aggressive adjustments on unstable vertebrae and will pivot toward filed-based care on compromised vertebrae and choose gentle and controlled adjustment techniques.
11 Most Common Chiropractic Approaches to Help with Spondylolisthesis
1. Flexion - Distraction Techniques: Gently decompresses affected vertebrae to relieve pressure on the nerve root that extends from the vertebrae.
2. Activator Method of Adjustment: A very specific low force adjustment utilizing a handheld instrument to deliver a very precise low level of force to the affected vertebrae.
3. Cox Technique: A technique for spinal disc issues and nerve impingement that incorporates flexion and distraction.
4. Pelvic Blocking: Coupled with wedges (soft cushioned triangles) that help naturally right the pelvis.
5. Selective Manual Adjustments: Adjustments that are only performed on stable vertebrae to improve balance of motion in the spine.
6. Drop Table Technique: Gentle adjustments on tables that have pneumatic or sprung drop mechanisms, allowing them to absorb some of the force and re-centering of the spine.
7. Neuromuscular Re-education: Exercises that help strengthen muscles to support the spine.
8. Corrective Exercises: Home assistance exercises that can be tailored to the client to help stabilize the spine.
9. Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage therapy/myofascial release techniques to help ease muscle tension in and around the spine.
10. Lifestyle - Ergonomics Advice: Helpful coaching to change any daily habits that might be affecting spinal stress.
11. Nutritional Counseling: Anti-inflammatory foods recommendations for nutrients to help with healing.
The Gonstead Chiropractic Approach to Help with Spondylolisthesis
The Gonstead Technique is valuable tool in managing the pain and discomfort associated with spondylolisthesis by focusing on correcting spinal misalignments and improving overall spinal health and directly address the vertebral slippage itself by restoring integrity using the vertebra below to create a better foundation for the spondylolisthesis. This technique is very safe and effective for spondylolisthesis cases because it is specific, gentle, and using x-rays and other landmarks to ensure the forward slippage of the vertebra is protected and not worsened.
What to Anticipate When You Visit a Chiropractor
Your Visit Starts Here
You will get a thorough review of the history of your condition, a full physical examination, and likely imaging studies to assess the slippage of the vertebrae (if there is any).
Your Customized Treatment Plan
A personalized care plan contains activator, adjustments, exercises, any soft-tissue therapies, and lifestyle modifications to launch your recovery based on your unique situation.
The Required Frequency and Duration of Care
Generally, patients will come 2-3 times per week for care to start. Depending on the extent of their symptoms, it is expected that frequency will decrease as their symptoms improve.
Continuing regular maintenance visits over the long-term is necessary for chronic issues.
When Chiropractic Care is Not Advisable
Chiropractic care may not be advised if:
● Extreme slippage (IV – V) Any signs or symptoms consistent with cauda equina syndrome
● The presence of recent traumatic spinal instability
● The presence of spinal infections, tumors or fractures In these cases, referral to specialists is essential.
● A Transdisciplinary Approach If possible, optimal care often comes from a combination of the chiropractic, neurologist, orthopedic, and physical therapist fields, which allows for total care management.
FAQ's about Chiropractic Care and Spondylolisthesis
Q: Can chiropractic fix spondylolisthesis for good?
A: While we cannot permanently "fix" (reverse) the slippage, the care reduces pain significantly, improves function, and provides improvement in quality of life.
Q: Will it hurt with adjustments?
A: Generally no, chiropractic adjustments are painless and relieves discomfort. Chiropractors are trained to use whichever methods are necessary, including gentle adjustments, to relieve conditions.
Q: How soon will I start to feel better?
A: Many patients demonstrate significant improvement within a few weeks, and considerable improvement will show within months of regular treatment.
Q: Is it safe for my child to see a Chiropractor?
A: Yes. Pediatric chiropractors will use gentle and safe techniques appropriate for children's developing musculoskeletal systems.
Q: If chiropractic does not help, does that mean I will need surgery?
A: Surgery is rarely the first option. There are many modified and conservative treatments that can help prevent surgical intervention.
Q: What additional things can I do to help my spine?
A: Maintaining proper posture, ergonomics, strengthening your core, managing your weight, and avoiding heavy lifting or twisting.
Chiropractic Care is an Option for Holistic Solutions In conclusion
Chiropractic care is an excellent option for people who may be dealing with the symptoms of spondylolisthesis. We improve function and decrease pain while also working toward maintaining a healthy and mobile spine without the risk of surgery. At Vertical Chiropractic in Sarasota, FL, Dr. Bobby provides chiropractic care tailored to you utilizing gentle techniques. Visit us to schedule your consultation today and take your first step to being active and pain-free! Book Your Appointment at Vertical Chiropractic of Sarasota or Call Us Today!
