Non Operative Treatment of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Articles>Spine Conditions>Degenerative Spinal Conditions>Disc Degeneration, Back Pain Treatment

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is the anterior slip of a lumbar vertebra. It may be due to bilateral (both sides) defect in the interarticular portion of the vertebra (spondylolysis).

Treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis

-Most patients with symptomatic spondylolisthesis have good results without having to resort to a surgery.

-Patients should undergo nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, but limited bed rest for acute or severe pain. Epidural steroids can provide temporary relief for patients with significant leg pain, but no lasting benefit has been shown. Those with predominant back pain may benefit from a lumbosacral corset.

-Once pain is controlled, a regimen of stretching, strengthening, and progressive exercise is indicated. Back flexion and isometric strengthening exercises are more effective than extension exercises in the rehabilitation.

-Consultation with a physical therapist is often beneficial during this phase, this is because some patients may benefit from additional treatment modalities such as heat, ultrasound, massage, and pelvic traction in addition to the teaching of effective stretching and strengthening exercises.

-Those patients in whom surgery is definitely not indicated may benefit from a formal back school.

Special considerations

-Overweight patients should be counseled as to the importance of weight loss to get good results with this type of therapy.
-A critical aspect of the nonoperative approach is patient education as to the nature and chronicity of their condition and the importance of following the recommended treatment plan.

-Compliance is often a function of education and motivation. Building an alliance with the patient will allow more sensitive issues to be addressed.

-The aforementioned nonoperative treatment should be undertaken in patients without indication for more urgent intervention; most specialists recommend a minimum of 3 months of non-operative treatment before considering surgery.

You might also want to read: Lumbar Decompression Surgery for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Symptoms of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Degenerative disc disease

At the London Spine Unit, we have some of the best specialists to treat degenerative spondylolisthesis. Book an appointment to get a checkup.

Truspilot Reviews

shahnaz Choudhury

2022-04-22

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Ken Carswell

2022-03-22

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customer

2022-03-17

Great service and painless procedure Great service and painless procedure. Definitely alleviated the pain

Jonathan Scott-Barrett

2022-02-09

Back and nerve pain From diagnosis to treatment and post operational care, the London Spine Unit were very courteous, caring, efficient and generally first class in all departments of their clinic. My ailments pre operation have been successfully eradicated and I no longer suffer from back and nerve pain. I can also walk without stooping. I would not hesitate to recommend anyone with back problems to seek their advice and treatment if required. 9th February 2022

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2022-01-29

Very good service and quality care Very good service and quality care. The help is invaluable.

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2022-01-25

Very good service and attention Very good service and attention. The doctors are very kind, they attend with care and always report the condition well. The times that I have been able to visit them, there are not many, I have left very happy because they have relieved my back pain.

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2022-01-15

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2022-01-06

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2022-01-05

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