Treating Spondylolisthesis, Most Common Cause of Back Pain in Athletes

No, it’s not just a tongue twister: spondylolisthesis is a serious spinal condition that is often the result of a forceful blow to the back. A common occurrence in young athletes who participate in high-impact sports, this injury can cause severe and chronic pain in the lower back and can even lead to severe spinal damage or partial paralysis, if further aggravation is inflicted without treatment.

Although only a few decades ago spondylolisthesis was considered a career-ending injury and a terrible pain to live with, today there is a variety of treatments that can get patients on their feet again, many of which do not require surgery. Following is a brief description of this condition, its diagnosis, and how chiropractic treatment may be your best bet to addressing the pain.

What is Spondylolisthesis ?

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in the spine where one of the vertebras slips forward or backward, usually due to a stress fracture in the fifth lumbar vertebra or, less commonly, in the fourth lumbar vertebra. Often the result of an impact to the spine, these stress fractures can weaken the bone so much that it becomes unable to maintain proper position, in turn causing the vertebra to slip out of line. When left untreated, spondylolisthesis can lead to a deformity in the spine, a narrowing of the spinal canal, or compression of the nerve roots.

Causes

The primary cause of spondylolisthesis is the result of a severe impact to the spine, such as one that occurs during contact sports or auto accidents. However, the condition can also be caused by overuse or an individual’s genetics. Overuse during athletic competition or recreation puts a great deal of stress on the bones in the lower back, increasing the likelihood of stress fractures over time. There are also those who are born with a genetic disposition to spondylolisthesis andalready have thin and more vulnerable vertebral bones.

Diagnosis

A proper diagnosis for spondylolisthesis involves a complete evaluation of the spine, regardless of whether the patient complains about specific symptoms of the condition. This is done to ensure that no other damage is present that may lead to pain or injury in the future. The diagnosis will determine if restricted joint motion, muscle spasm, disc injury, and ligament damage are reported by the patient, along with an evaluation of tenderness and tightness in the back. Only after a thorough inspection of the back is completed will a treatment plan be developed for the specific condition. Imaging tests such as x-rays may also be utilized if the chiropractor deems it necessary.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

There is a variety of non-surgical methods to treat and relieve pain caused by spondylolisthesis, including prescription pain medication, physical therapy, and heat or ice therapy. These treatments are designed to remove excessive pressure placed on the injured vertebra, in turn relieving pain and allowing the body to naturally heal itself.

However, one of the best ways to relieve pain from this condition is to treat it at its source with chiropractic treatment. Through targeted adjustments, trained professionals are able to correct issues with displaced discs and relieve pressure placed on the nerves. Chiropractic care may be performed alone or in combination with the aforementioned treatments to enhance its healing and pain-relieving benefits.

If you experience chronic low-back pain after severe impact to your spine, it is important to get examined by a medical professional. Serious implications may arise if this condition is left untreated, not to mention it can lead to a lifetime of pain. If you have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, consider chiropractic care before undergoing invasive surgery, for a safer treatment and a speedier recovery.

About the Author:

Marc Browner is a Co-owner and practicing chiropractor at Windmill Health Center in Weston, Florida. A graduate of the University of Florida in 1991, he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic in 1995. In private practice since 1998, Dr. Browner is a member of the Florida Chiropractic Society, the Florida Chiropractic Association, and he attends continuing education seminars, classes, and workshops to remain abreast of the most current treatment methods and technological advances in the field.