Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which the spine shifts from its normal position. If the degree is mild, spondylolisthesis usually does not cause complaints or symptoms. However, if severe, this condition needs to be treated immediately because it can cause paralysis.
Spondylolisthesis most commonly occurs in the lower spine, but it can occur in other parts of the spine as well. Minor spinal shifts generally do not cause severe complaints or disturbances and can be overcome with regular physical exercise and exercise.
However, severe spondylolisthesis can often cause bothersome symptoms, such as back pain, stiff back muscles, tingling or numbness in the lower back that radiates to the legs, and weakness or paralysis of the legs and feet.
If left untreated, severe spondylolisthesis can lead to complications such as narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) and pinched nerves.
Recognize the Various Causes of Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis can be experienced by anyone, from children to the elderly. There are several things that can cause spondylolisthesis, including:
1. Degenerative diseases
Spondylolisthesis due to degenerative diseases, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, is common in adults and the elderly.
With age, the spine will become weaker and brittle. This makes the spine more prone to injury and shifting. Sometimes calcification of the bones can also cause spondylolisthesis.
2. Spinal Injury
Spinal injuries that cause spondylolisthesis can occur due to excessive physical activity, sports, or accidents. This injury can also occur due to poor posture, such as frequent bending over, or due to surgery on the spine.
3. Birth defects
Spondylolisthesis caused by a birth defect or defect is called congenital spondylolisthesis. This condition occurs due to a genetic disorder that causes the spine not to form normally while in the womb.
4. Certain diseases
There are several diseases that can damage the spine and cause spondylolisthesis. Some of these include spinal tuberculosis, tumors in the spine, and autoimmune diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis.
Know Several Steps for Handling Spondylolisthesis
Because it can be caused by many things, spondylolisthesis needs to be checked by a doctor. To determine the severity and cause of spondylolisthesis, the doctor can perform a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI of the spine.
After the severity and cause of the patient's spondylolisthesis is known, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment to overcome it, such as:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be done to improve the position of the spine and relieve complaints that arise due to spondylolisthesis. Some examples of physiotherapy that can be done are physical exercises or stretching and the use of a special corset.
Administration of drugs
Giving drugs aims to reduce complaints that arise due to spondylolisthesis. Doctors can prescribe pain medication to reduce pain, as well as muscle relaxants to relax stiff muscles.
If the spondylolisthesis causes the nerves to become pinched and swollen, causing symptoms of tingling or numbness, your doctor may give you a corticosteroid injection into the spinal cord.
Operation
Spinal surgery is performed to return the spine to its original position. Surgery is usually performed if the spondylolisthesis does not improve with other treatment methods or when the displacement of the bone is severe enough to put pressure on the spinal cord.
However, spinal surgery also carries a risk of complications, such as:
- Infection
- Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
- Difficulty holding in urine (urinary incontinence)
- Bleeding
- Side effects of the anesthetic used during surgery, such as nausea and seizures
Patients with spondylolisthesis will also generally be advised to increase rest time, limit physical activity, not lift heavy objects, and apply warm or cold compresses to the back to relieve pain.
Spondylolisthesis that is diagnosed early and treated promptly can generally recover without surgery. However, if it is severe, this condition often needs to be treated with surgery.
Therefore, immediately consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of spondylolisthesis, so that this condition can be treated immediately before it gets worse and causes complications.
