Although lower back pain is a common experience — affecting 80% of adults throughout their lifetime — the cause of lower back pain can vary quite a bit. Here at Premier Chiropractic, Barry Hughes, DC and our team treat lower back pain caused by a variety of conditions, including spondylolisthesis.
If you have lower back pain and suspect you have spondylolisthesis, Dr. Hughes encourages you to visit our Pearland, Texas office. In the meantime, continue reading to learn about five common signs of spondylolisthesis and how we can help you get relief from lower back pain.
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which one of your lower vertebrae slips out of place and moves onto one of the vertebrae below it.
Five signs of spondylolisthesis are:
- Lower back pain (including when you bend over)
- Stiffness (and reduced range of motion) in your back and legs
- Pain in your thighs
- Difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods of time
- Tight muscles and/or muscle spasms in your hamstring and buttocks
These are the most common signs, but the severity of symptoms can vary. For example, you might hardly notice these symptoms, but for some, severe pain could impact your ability to perform daily tasks. If your symptoms are mild, you might have Grade I or Grade II spondylolisthesis. These are considered low-grade and are often successfully treated with nonsurgical treatments. If your pain is severe, you might have Grade III or Grade IV spondylolisthesis. This is considered high-grade and may require surgical intervention.
What to do if You Notice These Five Signs of Spondylolisthesis
If you regularly notice lower back pain, tight hamstrings, and stiffness in your back, don’t brush off the symptoms. Even mild pain can benefit from chiropractic care, but before you embark on any treatment plan, the first step is an accurate diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is the result of a comprehensive exam, including a review of your symptoms and health history, a physical exam, orthopedic tests, and imaging tests (if needed). Imaging tests include spinal X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
Once the source of your lower back pain is confirmed, we walk through your treatment options.
Getting a diagnosis and exploring your treatment options
Treatments for spondylolisthesis encourage your vertebrate to return to its proper place and help reduce your discomfort. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it’s ideal to try nonsurgical treatments first, as these can improve your symptoms and your quality of life. The Premier Chiropractic team outlines a treatment plan for you based on your diagnosis. You don’t necessarily need invasive surgery either.
We might suggest any combination of the following nonsurgical options:
- Using a back brace
- Following a physical therapy program, including specific exercises for your spinal condition
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief
Sometimes conservative treatments are enough, but severe cases may benefit from a spinal fusion. If you’re not getting the relief you deserve, we can refer you to the appropriate orthopedic specialists.
If you have lower back pain and suspect you have spondylolisthesis, don’t hesitate to schedule a comprehensive exam at our Pearland, Texas, office. You can reach us at 281-223-1172 or via our online portal.