Dallas Spondylolisthesis Treatment

Pain Caused by Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra of the spine slips forward. It is usually caused by a combination of arthritis in the joints of the spine combined with degeneration of the discs. In younger patients and athletes, it can be caused by a small stress fracture in the lower part of the lumbar spine.

Spondylolisthesis can be quite painful. The spine care specialists at the Methodist Moody Brain and Spine Institute can find out of this condition is responsible for your pain and start you on a treatment plan.

You may experience the following symptoms if you have spondylolisthesis:

• Persistent pain in the lower back, especially with standing and with exercise
• Pain radiating down the legs
• Difficulty standing up straight
• Difficulty with bladder control in extreme cases

Noninvasive & Surgical Treatments

Nonsurgical treatments are almost always attempted first in the treatment of spondylolisthesis. Physical therapy, pain medication, and graduated exercise programs are effective for most patients. For patients with leg symptoms, epidural steroid injections are also often helpful.

Surgery is recommended if the slip worsens over time or if patients do not find the pain relief they need through conservative treatments. Spinal fusion is the most common surgical procedure for spondylolisthesis. In many cases, a minimally invasive fusion can be safely performed. To find out if spondylolisthesis is causing your pain or if surgery is right for you, schedule an appointment with one of the spine specialists at the Methodist Moody Brain and Spine Institute.

At the Methodist Moody Brain and Spine Institute, we provide treatment for all types of back pain. Call us at (214) 948-2076 for an appointment.