Prevention and Treatment of Spondylolisthesis

Are you suffering from Spondylolisthesis?

Is your back killing you? Do you feel the unexplainable sudden pain in your lower back right after you went to the gym? Then, all of a sudden your legs feels numb? That could be a sign of Spondylolisthesis. It’s a condition that should not be taken lightly. Many people are actually experiencing this due to daily work that may involve lifting objects that are just way too heavy for their body to handle. This condition can be acquired by birth and only notice in adulthood or can even be developed by weight lifting.

Knowing how to treat a Spondylolisthesis can be lifesaving knowledge for you. You will never know that you have it until it’s right there giving you a painful stabbing feeling in your lower back.

Here are some proven and tested ways in treating Spondylolisthesis:

Stop Physical Activity. Don’t push it farther if you know that you’ve hit your limit. Avoid lifting heavier objects if you know that something is wrong with your back. It can only feel like a small pain but pushing forward can make it seriously bad for your spine.

Anti-Inflammatory medication. If it’s already unbearable, you can take nonsteroidal drugs like advil, and Tylenol to decrease the inflammation in the muscles to help reduce pain.

Wear a Back brace. You can also try going to a doctor and ask for hyperextension brace. This is a support that starts from your lumbar spine upwards to help the bone defect to get close together and start the healing process.

Get a Massage. Physical therapy can help relax the .  It increases the range motion of the spine and hamstring to toughen the core abdominal muscles. Some therapist can also re-align bone fractures which can help with your spine.

Surgery. Last but not the least is surgery. If you really don’t have a choice any more, then don’t endure it. Seek help from a doctor. They may advise laminectomy. It is a procedure where the spinal canal will be opened to release the pressure from the nerves and spinal fusion.

It’s great that studies have been conducted to help us treat this condition accordingly. Having this pain every time is no “walk in the park”. However, despite how great the treatment can be, there is still a much better way than treatment, it’s called prevention. Stopping this condition right away before it happens is still the better way to go.

Here’s how you can prevent a Spondylolisthesis:

– If you’re now in a physical therapy then monitor your doctor’s treatment plan and continue your home exercises.

– Proper posture is also a key for healthier spine. Sit and stand properly.

– Learn how to lift objects properly. It may sound silly, but majority of those with back problem is because they are lifting things randomly which can cause stress to your back.

– Don’t stress your lower back too much. If you’re doing weight lifting, that’s great. Exercise is good for our body, but make sure that you only lift what you can and avoid putting the strain on your back.

– Get plenty of rest and relaxation. Get a massage once in a while and sleep accordingly.

– Eat fruits and vegetables. Having a good diet can strengthen your body to avoid Spondylolisthesis.

Surgery and other uncomfortable treatment can be avoided if you can willingly apply these steps to your life style. Prevention is better than cure, right? Live healthy and lift responsibly.