Spondylolisthesis is a chronic lower back pain condition that most commonly affects young athletes and teens during growth spurts. Initially, you develop a tiny crack or stress fracture in a bone (vertebra) in your lower back. This condition is known as spondylolysis.

If left untreated, eventually this small crack dramatically weakens the bone structure as a whole. This can cause the affected vertebra to shift out of proper alignment, a condition known as spondylolisthesis.

Even though being active in sports can increase your risk of developing spondylolisthesis, sometimes you’re just prone to having the condition because of abnormally thin bone structure.

You might not be able to tell that you have spondylolisthesis immediately. It’s common to be unaware of having the condition until you get an X-ray. As spondylolisthesis progresses, you may start experiencing:

• Back stiffness
• Difficulty standing and walking
• Discomfort in your lower back that worsens with activity
• Lower back pain that radiates down the back of your legs

Depending on the severity of your spondylolisthesis, you may also experience severe muscle spasms, numbness and tingling down your legs, and possibly even leg weakness.

Before your spondylolisthesis symptoms start affecting your activities and keeping you from doing the things you enjoy, see how the expert physicians at Texas Neuro Spine can help.

Your personalized spondylolisthesis treatment plan at Texas Neuro Spine may include several solutions to lessen the discomfort you experience while promoting healing.

After diagnosing your condition through a physical examination and gathering in-office X-ray images, your dedicated provider talks with you about treatment options. Your treatment for spondylolisthesis may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Rest from sports and activities
• Physical therapy and daily exercises
• Back bracing

In most cases, spondylolisthesis improves over time, as long as you give your body time to rest.

However, if conservative approaches don’t relieve your pain, surgery may be needed to treat severe to high-grade vertebral slippage by fusing bones together. The team at Texas Neuro Spine works diligently to ensure you’re getting the best possible treatment for your specific needs.

Schedule your spondylolisthesis evaluation at Texas Neuro Spine today. Book an appointment using the online scheduler or call your nearest location directly.