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Spondylolisthesis Treatment in New York and New Jersey

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Spinal conditions like spondylolisthesis can cause back pain and discomfort, among other symptoms. Visiting a pain management doctor in NY or NJ can help you take control of this condition and relieve your pain. Pain management doctors in our directory provide spondylolisthesis treatment so you can get back to the activities you love without pain. 

Contact Accident Help Zone at (888) 412-8488 to schedule an appointment with a pain doctor near you.

Overview of Spondylolisthesis

What Is Spondylolisthesis?

All the vertebrae that make up your spine should stay in place and allow you to move freely without pain. However, repeated stress or a fracture can cause a vertebra to slip and put excess pressure on the bone below it and surrounding soft tissue. Spondylolisthesis is a medical condition that occurs when a vertebra slips out of alignment. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition affects between 4% and 6% of the adult population. It primarily develops over time as patients put stress on their spine. In some cases, babies are born with misplaced vertebrae and require treatment. 

What Causes Spondylolisthesis?

Consistent strain on the spine can contribute to vertebrae slipping out of alignment. This is prominent in athletes, who may develop spondylolisthesis or similar conditions like pars interarticularis defects and spondylolysis. These issues cause lower back pain that hinders an athlete’s ability to compete. 

A study published in the Global Spine Journal reports that athletes who participate in diving face the greatest incidence of spinal conditions at 35.38%. Other sports that show a correlation to spinal issues include cricket, baseball, softball, rugby, and weightlifting. 

It’s not only athletes who may require spondylolisthesis treatment. Adults over the age of 50 start to lose spinal strength, which can cause a vertebra to fall out of alignment. Your genetics also play a crucial role since some people are born with thinner pieces of bones connecting the facet joints, meaning their vertebrae are more likely to slip. 

What Are the Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis?

You could have spondylolisthesis and not present any symptoms. In this case, you don’t need to undergo treatment since the condition has no physical impact on your day-to-day life. Common symptoms patients experience include the following:

  • Lower back pain
  • Stiffness in the back
  • Spasms in your hamstring muscles
  • Numbness or tingling in your foot
  • Pain while walking or standing

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a pain management specialist near you from our free directory of doctors.

Common Types of Spondylolisthesis

Congenital Spondylolisthesis

Babies can be born with this condition because of improper fetal development of the spine. The misaligned vertebrae put patients at risk of a vertebra slipping as they age. 

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

The spine naturally degenerates as we age. This common form of spondylolisthesis occurs because the discs and soft tissue surrounding the vertebrae start to thin. Adults over the age of 50 seeking spondylolisthesis treatment typically have this form of the condition. 

Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

A fracture or abnormal wear and tear on the spine causes this prevalent type of spondylolisthesis. According to a StatPearls study, isthmic spondylolisthesis affects between 6% and 7% of individuals under the age of 18. The incidence increases to 18% of adults who receive an MRI of their lumbar spine. 

Spondylolisthesis Pain Management and Treatment

Surgical Treatment Options

Doctors may diagnose you with high-grade spondylolisthesis. This condition can cause severe pain and require surgery to provide relief and correct the misaligned vertebrae. You may also consider surgery if non-invasive treatments don’t alleviate lumbar pain. 

Surgeons typically perform either spinal fusion or spinal decompression procedures. Spinal fusion surgery involves joining the two vertebrae together with small metal screws and rods, meaning that you won’t have to worry about a vertebra slipping out of place. Spinal decompression surgery relieves the pressure and pinching on your nerves that cause pain. 

Surgical spondylolisthesis treatment requires patients to stay in the hospital for a few days so doctors can monitor their recovery. Patients should limit strenuous activity for several weeks and then begin regimented physical therapy sessions to strengthen their spine and core. Doctors recommend continuing with physical therapy for one year to improve mobility and flexibility. 

Conservative Treatment Options

If you have a low-grade form of spondylolisthesis, you can reduce your symptoms by following a conservative approach to treatment. Common non-surgical types of spondylolisthesis treatment include the following:

  • Braces: A back brace supports your spine and helps misaligned vertebrae heal. 
  • Lifestyle adjustments: Athletes, in particular, should modify their activity levels to let their spondylolisthesis heal. 
  • Physical therapy: Patients perform a series of strengthening exercises to stabilize the spine and increase flexibility. 
  • Corticosteroid injections: Doctors can inject anti-inflammatory medication directly into the spine for pain relief. 
  • Pain medications: Taking over-the-counter pain medications can reduce inflammation and provide comfort. 

Finding the right treatment option depends on your age, lifestyle, and diagnosis. Accident Help Zone helps you find the right doctor who can help reduce lower back pain caused by spondylolisthesis. 

Seek Treatment for Spondylolisthesis in New Jersey

Contact Pain Management Specialists Near You

If you experience frequent back pain, relief is possible. Pain management doctors listed in our directory, Accident Help Zone, provide spondylolisthesis treatment to help patients like you lead fulfilling and pain-free lives. Contact our office today at (888) 412-8488 to schedule an appointment with an experienced pain management doctor in NY, NJ, and CT. 

Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Treatment for Spondylolisthesis?

The best spondylolisthesis treatment is one that provides long-term pain relief. Consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you. 

How Do You Prevent Spondylolisthesis?

You can prevent spondylolisthesis by maintaining a healthy weight, nourishing your bones through a balanced diet, and strengthening your back and core. 

Can Spondylolisthesis Return After Treatment?

Yes, the condition can recur. Follow your doctor’s recommendations during spondylolisthesis treatment to prevent it from happening again.