Spondylolisthesis Treatment By The Best Non-Surgical Team
CSC provides holistic spondylolisthesis treatment. Get customized spondylolisthesis therapy with lasting relief without surgery or injections; call a CSC center today!
Forward slippage of a spinal vertebra is known as spondylolisthesis. It results from a spinal defect, fractures, or excessive degenerative changes with advancing age. Regardless of etiology or cause, spondylolisthesis is the cause of spinal instabilities that progressively worsen with age. It is a leading cause of disability and paralysis in persons over the age of 50. This article will familiarize you with the causes, signs, symptoms, and best treatment options. Learn all you need to know about spondylolisthesis and how to recover without surgery or injections.
What Are The Most Common Locations For Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis can be found at any segment but are most common in the neck and lower back. The most common site is the L5-S1, followed by the C5-C6. The C5-C6 and L5-S1 motion segments are the two most common sites because of the amount of load-bearing these two motion segments provide. Spondylolisthesis is rarely found in the thoracic spine. Here is a list of common places for spondylolisthesis in the neck or back:
Spondylolisthesis Is Treatable Without Surgery
Your spine is a collection of bones stacked one on top of the other. Behind every two bones is a joint that prevents the bone from slipping forwards or backward. Damage to these joints causes slippage to happen, and spondylolisthesis occurs. However, spondylolisthesis may also occur from traumatic injuries such as falling on the buttocks. But, the most common form is either degenerative (arthritis) or congenital forms.
In adults, arthritis of the spine is the most common cause of spondylolisthesis and is most often seen between the 4th and 5th lumbar bones. In younger people, the most common reasons are stress fractures familiar to people that engage in gymnastics and fractures of the joints caused by a trauma such as an automobile accident.
Spondylolisthesis can be mild, moderate, or severe. The pain and problems it causes can lead to disability and even paralysis. It can cause all kinds of pain in the back, the hips, the legs, and along the spine. Spondylolisthesis can pinch the spinal cord and cause damage to the nerves and be responsible for pain down the legs.
Spondylolisthesis is treatable without surgery. Technology and collaborative methods of care are key. Without expert chiropractic knowledge, clinical physiotherapy incorporates a unique and one-of-a-kind exercise devise known as the Spinercise® to stabilize damaged spinal segments. CSC’s integrative solutions and breakthrough technologies are critical to successful treatments of challenging spine conditions. CSC can stabilize a spondylolisthesis and help our patients rid themselves of the pain and problems from this potentially crippling condition.
What Causes Spondylolisthesis?
Congenital disabilities are the most common causes of spondylolisthesis. However, it also results from injuries and premature wear and tear. Traumatic injuries such as slip and fall or automobile accidents are common traumatic causes. The traumatic type of spondylolisthesis (forward slippage) is referred to as spondylolysis. Spondylolysis is discussed in the next heading.
The spine’s degenerative or premature wear and tear results from advanced spinal discs degenerative disease or desiccated discs or DDD. Other degenerative causes include spinal arthritis and ligament damage. In addition, excessive arthritic formation in the spinal joints, known as facet hypertrophy, and ligamentous issues involving the ligamentum flavum are common degenerative causes of spondylolisthesis.
What Is Spondylolysis?
Spondylolysis is an inherited condition (defect) induced by injuries (breaks or fractures) or due to degenerative changes that develop over time. For example, sudden onset spondylolysis occurs from falls, car accidents, or sports injuries that fracture the pars interarticularis. The developmental form of the degenerative type of spondylolysis occurs in the elderly.
The main culprit in developmental type is a bone-weakening process such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. Patients with decreased bone density minerals (osteoporosis and osteopenia) are at higher risks for cracking their spine. The accumulated stress that develops in an osteoporotic spine can lead to breaks or cracks in pars interarticularis, and eventually, fracture the pars. The pars interarticularis is a small bony projection in the back of your spinal bones that forms the spinal joints. Patients with advanced degenerative spine conditions such as osteoporosis have higher risks of getting a spondylolysis.
To summarize, spondylosis is referring to defects in the pars interarticularis. Moreover, spondylolysis commonly presents with a forward slippage, as seen in spondylolisthesis. As such, the diagnostic term for spondylosis patients with a forward slippage is spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis with or without spondylolysis is gradable on the severity of their forward slippage.
What Are The Categories Of Spondylolisthesis?
The word spondylolisthesis refers to a “forward slippage” categorized on a grading scale of 1-4. As mentioned, the slippage occurs due to defect in pars interarticularis or spinal instabilities. Regardless of etiology, there are four grades to a spondylolisthesis with or without spondylolysis:
- Grade-I Spondylolistheis: Slippage that is less than 25%
- Grade-II Spondylolisthesis: A 26-49% slippage
- Grade-III Spondylolisthesis: Forward slippage of 50-74%
- Grade-IV Spondylolisthesis: A slippage that is 75% or greater
Grade-I and even Grade-II are best treated non-operatively by our methods of chiropractic combined physiotherapy. Grades-III and IV may do better with surgical intervention. However, surgery should also take into consideration patient age and overall well-being. In other words, for those with advanced age, surgery may not be a great option. In our centers, a spine patient is carefully evaluated to ensure that our methods are target-specific. We go through a series of specialized diagnostic procedures to assert the stability of your spondylolisthesis. Once the evaluation process is complete, one of our clinical team members will go over your therapeutic options.
When there is no slippage associated with the “break” that is medically known as a spondylolysis. When slippage accompanies the breakage, it is known as “spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis.” Keep in mind that this breakage could be congenital (you were born with it) or developmental, resulting from an acute fracture or degenerative changes.
Is Spondylolisthesis Dangerous?
Spondylolisthesis is a dangerous spinal condition because it is progressive. In other words, a grade-1 spondylolisthesis can progress to a grade 2 and so forth. Moreover, spondylolisthesis results in accompanying disorders that involve spinal discs (slipped disc), spinal joint, and spinal soft tissues (muscles and ligaments). The accompanying conditions resulting from a spondylolisthesis also worsen over time. The collective worsening of spondylolisthesis, slipped disc, joints, muscles, and ligament issues are the leading causes of disability and paralysis.
How Dangerous is Spondylolysis?
Spondylolysis represents a spinal condition in which there are fractures or breaks. Fractures, cracks, or breaks of any kind in the spine is a dangerous condition. Therefore, patients with compression fractures of the spine or spondylolysis must seek immediate treatment. Proper assessment of the entire spine and bone mineral density test is of utmost importance. Treatment must include nutritional supplementation as well as a palliative measure to ease the pain.
What Is The Best Treatment For Spondylolisthesis?
Non-operative treatments are always better, and there is no difference when it comes to spondylolisthesis. Surgery should be the last option and only reserved for an unstable condition.
Our technology and our team members (chiropractors and physiotherapists) are experts in the non-surgical treatment of spine and joint. Spondylolisthesis treatment in our centers is with advanced therapy equipment, clinical physiotherapists, and our research-based chiropractors in Malaysia. Rest assured, we excel in all three.
Our collaborative systems and specialized spine technology are not second to any in Asia. Yet, we succeed when others fail. Thus, visit one of our centers to see what a clinical research-based team of Chiropractors and physiotherapists can do for you today. We can help. In adults, arthritis of the spine is the most common cause of spondylolisthesis (Spinal Instabilities) and is often seen in the 4th and 5th lumbar bones. In younger people, the most common causes are stress fractures caused by accidents or sports-related injuries.
What Are The Common Co-Conditions Seen In Spinal Instability
Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are spinal instabilities that present with accompanying disorders that further aggravate spinal instabilities. Therefore, it is critical to receive care for co-conditions and spinal instabilities for a complete recovery. In other words, you need comprehensive or holistic treatments of the spine in its entirety for stability. Chiropractic Specialty Center® provides holistic treatment. In short, we get you better, even if others have failed. We have provided some of these accompany disorders (co-conditions) below:
- Acute or Chronic Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Pain in the Arms or Legs
- Slipped Disc or Slip-Disc
- Sciatica & Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Canal Stenosis
- Facet Hypertrophy
- Hypertrophy of Ligamentum Flavum
- Muscle and Ligament Weakness or Imbalances
- Bone Spur (Spondylosis or Arthritis)
Failure to get targeted, holistic treatment is the leading reason why so many opt for spine surgery. Spine surgery for spinal instabilities is not an option you should opt for. Spine surgery is the leading cause of spinal instabilities. So, why would you opt for procedures that cause spinal instabilities in the first place? Our Chiropractors in Kuala Lumpur have achieved significant success without surgery or injection. Call us today for a thorough assessment.
Common Symptoms Associated With Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis can result in either neck pain or back pain, depending on its’ location. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. The pain in the back or down the legs is common. Also, many complain of numbness, tingling, and even weakness in one or both legs. It can even lead to erectile dysfunction in males and fertility issues in females. Thus, pain and symptoms can vary and have enormous implications affecting the quality of one’s life. It can cause pain in the back, pain in the hip, pain in the legs, and pain along the spine.
Spondylolisthesis can pinch the spinal cord or thecal sac and cause damage to the nerves, and even cause health issues with bowels, bladder, and reproductive organs. It is better-treated non-surgery. Our Technology and collaborative methods of care are the keys. With our chiropractic knowledge combined with physiotherapy and incorporating our unique, one-of-a-kind Spinercise® technology, we can stabilize an unstable spinal segment and help our patients rid themselves of the pain and problems of this potentially crippling condition. Proper and timely care is needed to avoid worsening your spondylolisthesis, so visit us; we offer the best chiropractic in Malaysia.
What Are The Best Non-Surgical Treatment Options For Spondylolisthesis?
Corrective chiropractic and clinical physiotherapy combined are the non-surgical treatment option. When it comes to spondylolisthesis, you need both chiropractic and physiotherapy. The goal with corrective chiropractic is the aid in spinal stability and proper alignment. Targeted clinical physiotherapy helps with soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) balance, stability, and strength. Therefore, it is critical to have both provided simultaneously.
The chiropractic treatment must be through non-rotatory methods. The rotatory methods (techniques) require you to lye on your side for the chiropractic treatment of the lower back. The rotatory techniques or the twisting method of spine care is right for uncomplicated or straightforward conditions.
However, Spondylolisthesis is a complicated spine condition that can worsen through the manual or rotatory (side posture) adjustments given by Gonstead. Therefore, spondylolisthesis patients should avoid all rotatory methods of chiropractic care, including those given by Diversified and Gonstead chiropractors.
Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe For Spondylolisthesis?
Chiropractic is the safest method of spine care. However, patients with certain types of neck and back issues need to have focused care without rotation. For example, slipped discs, scoliosis, spondylosis, moderate arthritic spine, and spondylolisthesis patients should not be treated through the rotatory methods discussed above. Non-rotatory techniques include the Thompson technique, S.O.T. technique & the Activator methods.
At CSC, over 90% of treatments are given through Thompson, S.O.T & Activator methods. However, CSC’s chiropractors may use Diversified or Gonstead, but not on patients with spine complications or on expecting mothers, new mothers, and those over 60.
The safest and most effective chiropractic adjustment for slipped discs, scoliosis & spondylolisthesis is through the Activator methods. The best non-rotatory methods of chiropractic care are the SOT and Activator methods. The chiropractors of the Chiropractic Specialty Center® use a combination of SOT and Activator methods for the spondylolisthesis patient.
Similar to chiropractic care, physiotherapy must follow non-rotatory methods that stabilize the soft tissues. Your physiotherapists should concentrate on your core muscles, as well as the muscles of your buttocks, hips, thighs, and legs. Muscular or ligamentous rigidity (tight muscles and ligaments) is common finings. Also, most will present with some degree of muscle and ligament damage. Muscle and ligament damage needs fixing and repair. To fix and repair damaged tissue, therapeutic devices or technology are required. We have discussed this in the next section.
Enrich Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Treatments With Specialized Therapy Devices
The manual methods of physiotherapy combined with corrective chiropractic are essential. However, to maximize the benefits of your care, you will need treatments from specialized medical and therapy equipment.
It is impossible to reverse and repair scar tissues, spinal disc damage, and damaged cartilage (joint issues) through manual therapies. Therefore, therapy devices are essential to fixing and repairing damaged joints, spinal discs, muscles, and ligaments of the spine in patients with spondylolisthesis. CSC’s advanced and breakthrough medical and therapy methods of treatment for the neck and back. our specialized therapy devices and systems such as the RxDecom®, Spinercise®, ESWT Shockwave Therapy, Laser therapy, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and flexion-distraction are essential to your recovery:
- RxDecom®: The RxDecom® is an advanced non-surgical spinal decompression therapy device that helps repair spinal discs and joints.
- Spinercise®: This therapy device strengthens and stabilized your spine without stressing the joints or spinal discs. Spinercise® is highly targeted to focus on a specific muscle.
- ESWT Shockwave Therapy: ESWT or Shockwave Therapy is specific for the healing and repairing damaged muscles, ligaments, and cartilage.
- High-Intensity Laser Therapy or HILT to help reverse the damage in tissues such as muscles, ligaments, joints, bones & blood vessels,
- Ultrasound Therapy: Therapeutic ultrasound has been around for decades. It helps the recovery of injured or damaged muscles and ligaments.
- Electrotherapy: There are various forms of electrotherapy. The most suitable is the Interferential Current Therapy and Russian Stimulation.
Call a Chiropractic Specialty Center® near you today to start your recovery. Our targeted methods of chiropractic and physiotherapy are enhanced with breakthrough therapy devices for lasting relief and stability. We are Malaysia’s best non-surgical center when it comes to spondylolisthesis treatment. Contact CSC now for spondylolisthesis treatment by the best non-surgical team in Malaysia today.
Cervical spondylosis
Dear Deedy,
Our centers offer the best non-invasive treatment for cervical spondylosis. We have emailed you and hope to hear from you soon.
Hello, my mum was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis here in Nigeria. What kind of suggestions will you offer on how to treat her, please.
Dear Bawa,
Spondylolisthesis is a condition best managed through our methods of physical therapy (physiotherapy) and chiropractic in Malaysia. But, per your comment, your mother lives in Nigeria. So, my best advice is to a non-surgical center capable of providing her the care she needs. Surgery is an option for unstable spondylolisthesis.
Unstable spondylolisthesis is a condition that progressively worsens with time. In other words, they progress from a Grade-I to a Grade-II, and so forth. So, if the slippage of the vertebrae has progressed, she may be a candidate for surgery. In our centers, we have devices and technology that can stabilize an unstable spondylolisthesis in some patients. If you wish to get care from our center, please contact our main physical therapy and chiropractic center here in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. You call our center at +(60)3 2093 1000.
I hope this information was helpful.
Hi, I have spondylolisthesis at level two, but my leg is weak and in severe pain. The doctor is saying that maybe they will do surgery on my back. So do you have any suggestions? Thanks
Dear Harpreet,
Spondylolisthesis is treatable and manageable without surgery. My recommendation to anyone with back pain resulting from spinal disc herniation, arthritis, or spondylolisthesis is to exhaust an effective conservative approach before contemplating a surgical intervention.
I do so because surgery for spondylolisthesis requires screws and rods. According to published medical reports, 74% of spinal fusion surgery patients will have to live with some degree of pain after surgery. In short, if you were to get your surgery in the US, you would have to live with some degree of pain or disability. Therefore, it would be better to get a spondylolisthesis-specific therapy and treatment programs that eliminate your pain without the risks of surgery or the possibility of post-surgical back pain.
What is the best treatment for spondylolisthesis?
The best treatment for spondylolisthesis is a non-surgical route that combines a non-rotatory system of chiropractic, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. NSD Therapy® service is the best option. In Malaysia, we are the only NSD Therapy® providers. We have successfully treated many with spondylolisthesis and those with post-surgical pain. Contact our main center today for locations or more information on the type of care we provide; please WhatsApp our main center. At CSC, you get the best chiropractic combined with physiotherapy; visit or call us today. I hope this helped.
I have severe back pain with footdrop. Been a couple months. Need help, thanks….
Dear Phillip,
Please accept our sincere apology for not responding sooner.
Since you didn’t provide an MRI report or specific findings, I’ll base my response on common causes associated with these symptoms, particularly as you’ve posted this query in the spondylolisthesis section. Also, please keep in mind that the information I provide in any reply is meant to give you information, and it does not replace or substitute for a consultation or recommendation for management, as I have not assessed you.
At CSC, we specialize in conservative treatments that have successfully managed conditions similar to yours. Our integrative therapy approach, which incorporates chiropractic care, physiotherapy, spinal decompression, and focused rehabilitation, has shown positive outcomes for many patients experiencing back pain and neurological symptoms like foot drop.
Foot drop typically occurs when there is nerve damage or compression at certain points along the nerve pathway that controls the muscles involved in lifting the foot. This can result from spinal issues such as canal stenosis, where narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the nerves that travel to the lower limbs.
While I regret that the limited information provided restricts more detailed advice, I strongly encourage you not to let this deter you from seeking further help. It’s crucial to have a thorough evaluation, which might include an MRI, to better understand the specific causes of your symptoms. An accurate diagnosis will allow for a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. However, I will try my best to give you some information on conditions commonly known to cause foot drop and what you can do to feel better without surgery.
Common conditions that cause canal stenosis and foot drop include:
• Spondylolisthesis: This is a forward slippage of vertebrae in relation to the segment Spondylolisthesis is a condition where the vertebrae slip forward in relation to the segment below. The severity of this condition is rated from grade 1 to 4. Grade 1 usually does not cause foot drop unless it is unstable or there is a bulging or herniated disc. However, grade 2 and higher can result in foot drop since they are always unstable.
• Herniated or bulging discs: Also known as slipped discs, can also lead to foot drop if the bulge or herniation is moderate or more severe.
• Thickening of ligamentum flavum (yellow ligament): Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum is a relatively common cause of canal stenosis. Mild ligamentum flavum thickening should be tolerated well, but severe thickening can cause canal stenosis and foot drop. It is important to note that thickening of the ligamentum flavum is relatively common with spondylolisthesis, and in such instances, even mild thickening may produce a foot drop.
Often, surgeons recommend spinal fusion for patients with spondylolisthesis. In the absence of spondylolisthesis, they may recommend either a discectomy (partial or complete), disc replacement, a foraminotomy, or a combination of both. However, my suggestion is to seek effective conservative care from chiropractors and physiotherapists combined during each therapy session. However, you should avoid any chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment where the spine is “cracked” (rotatory manipulation) or any therapy, exercise, or stretching that puts the spine in flexion, extension, or rotation (twisting) as these can lead to further damage to both joints, discs, and nerves.
If you are experiencing bowel and bladder issues, you may not benefit as much from conservative care as loss of bowel and bladder control is a dangerous stage and in need of immediate surgical intervention.
If you are interested in exploring how our tailored conservative treatments can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your mobility, please don’t hesitate to WhatsApp us at +(60)17-269-1873. We are here to help you recover and regain strength through our comprehensive, integrative care strategies.
Please contact our center to discuss your situation further or to schedule an appointment. You can reach us via our contact details below.
Wishing you the best in health and a swift recovery.
Warm regards,