Spondylolisthesis is a condition when the spine shifts from its normal position. Spondylolisthesis will cause unbearable pain. This condition can also affect all parts of the spine, starting from the top, middle, and bottom.
Spondylolisthesis is different from hernia nucleus pulposus (HNP) or 'pinched nerve'. In HNP, only the pads that lie between the vertebrae shift and compress the nerves in the spine.
In many cases, complaints from spondylolisthesis can subside with rest and exercise on the spine. However, this condition can also cause serious problems, such as numbness to paralysis in the legs. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor as soon as symptoms of spondylolisthesis appear.
Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis does not always cause symptoms, so the sufferer is often not aware of it. However, severe spondylolisthesis is usually characterized by some of the following symptoms:
- Low back pain (low back pain).
- Lower back pain that radiates to the toes (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling from the back to the feet.
- Pain or a sensation of tension in the muscles of the thigh and buttocks.
- Abnormalities in the curvature of the spine, such as kyphosis.
- A feeling of weakness or weakness in the legs.
When to go to the doctor
Consult a doctor if the symptoms mentioned above appear. A doctor's examination is also necessary if the above symptoms are accompanied by a prominent spine.
Immediately see a doctor if you experience pain in the lower back that gets worse when you stand up, and subsides when you lie down. Examination also needs to be done if pain or tingling in the lower back radiates to the legs.
Causes of Spondylolisthesis
The causes of spondylolisthesis vary widely, including:
- Birth defects in the spine.
- Sudden or repeated spinal cord injury.
- Tumors in the spine.
- Erosion of the spine due to the aging process (degenerative).
- Cracks in the spine or spondylolysis.
In addition to some of the causes above, there are a number of factors that can increase a person's risk of experiencing spondylolisthesis, including:
- Suffering from joint or bone diseases, such as arthritis and spondylolysis.
- Doing sports that put excessive pressure or strain on the spine, such as gymnastics and weightlifting.
- Have a family who also suffers from spondylolisthesis.
Spondylolisthesis is also known to be more common in women, especially those aged 50 years and over.
Diagnosis of Spondylolisthesis
The doctor will first ask about the symptoms experienced by the patient, then perform a physical examination, one of which is by asking the patient to raise the legs in a straight position. In many cases, people with spondylolisthesis will have difficulty doing it.
Next, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor performs a scan with an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. This investigation aims to see if there is a shift or crack in the patient's spine.
Spondylolisthesis Treatment
Treatment of spondylolisthesis depends on the severity of the patient. Here's the explanation:
Mild spondylolisthesis
In patients with mild spondylolisthesis, doctors will usually advise the patient to get plenty of rest and temporarily avoid activities, such as bending over or lifting heavy objects.
In addition, the doctor will also perform the following treatment steps:
- Give drugs, such as ibuprofen or injections of corticosteroid drugs.
- Physical therapy (physiotherapy) to stretch the lower back muscles.
You need to know, the simple treatment above is only to relieve symptoms, not to correct a shifting spine. The above treatment steps must also be carried out for at least 3-8 months.
Severe spondylolisthesis
In severe spondylolisthesis or that does not improve after the above therapy, the doctor will suggest spinal surgery. Spinal surgery is also done when the spine is shifted far enough or to press the nerves.
Spinal surgery aims to return the spine to its normal position. This operation is performed using special bolts or using bone taken from another part of the body.
Although spinal surgery can treat spondylolisthesis, it is a risky procedure. In addition to taking a long time to recover, spinal surgery can cause the following side effects:
- deep vein thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis) or blood clots in the veins in the legs.
- Difficulty controlling urination or defecation, numbness or even paralysis in the limbs due to damage to the spinal cord.
- Infection at the surgical site.
Complications of Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis can cause serious complications if left untreated. Those complications include:
- Prolonged low back pain.
- Kyphosis or abnormal curvature of the spine.
- Difficulty controlling urination and defecation.
- Permanent damage to the spinal cord.
- Numbness to paralysis of the legs.
Prevention of Spondylolisthesis
Although spondylolisthesis is difficult to prevent, the following steps can be taken to reduce your risk of developing this condition:
- Maintain ideal body weight so as not to burden the spine.
- Eat a balanced nutritious diet to maintain bone health.
Regular exercise, especially sports to train the strength of the back muscles and avoid sports that risk injuring the spine.
