Spondylolisthesis is the conditioncharacterized by slipping of one vertebra forward or backward over anothervertebra below it due to disc degeneration that leads to loss of disc heightcausing instability. Other causes of spondylolisthesis include stress fractureor congenital abnormalities and in rare cases a tumour or trauma.
Spondylolisthesis is associated with the agingprocess in which the bones, muscles, tendons, ligament, and joints in the spinebecomes weakened and incapable to keep the alignment of the spinal column.
This type of spondylolisthesis typicallyoccurs at one of the two levels in the lumbar spine: L3-L4 or L4-L5 which isthe most common spondylolisthesis is more common in people over age 50 and inparticular among individuals over age 65 women are 2 to 3 times as likely asmen to be diagnosed.
Spondylolisthesis can cause nerve impingementand/or fatigue of the back musculature and may result in the lower back andlower leg pain.
Symptoms of spondylolisthesis may include:lower back and lower leg pain, sciatica an aching pain in the hips, buttocks,and lower back that radiates into the back of the thigh and legs, abnormalposture, weakness in the lower extremities, a shuffling gait when walking. Ifyou feel that you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should see aphysician or Sports & musculoskeletal Physiotherapist for an accuratediagnosis.
In some more severe and older cases, surgicalcorrection is required in an individual begins to show the motor loss or hassevere, unrelenting pain and bladder and bowel incontinence. However, most ofthe time spondylolisthesis can be treated conservatively with physiotherapy.
Traditional treatment of spondylolisthesisincludes:
Rest and restriction of physical activity.
Medications to reduce pain and swelling.
Cortisone injection.
Typical medications include- Non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs. Etc.
PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT OFSPONDYLOLISTHESIS INCLUDES:
Physiotherapy intervention works best as itincludes targeting the muscle of the lumbar spine as well as stretchingexercises of the hamstring and hip flexors.
Stretching of muscles such as- the Hamstringand Psoas/rectus femoris reduce pain and stiffness.
Strengthening exercises such as- Stagger sideplank, Frog Bridge, Dead bug, Abdominal rollout, single-leg deadlift, etc.these exercises strengthen the lumbar spine and hip muscles in a relativelyneutral position, which will work on your muscles without exaggerating yourissue.
Several manual therapy techniques are done byour experienced sports physiotherapist such as- Spinal manipulation &mobilization, Dry needling, Cupping therapy, Soft tissue mobilization, Fasciarelease technique, etc.
McKenzie exercise.
Balance training including – Sensory-motortraining on unstable devices, walking in all variations, coordinative skills.
Gait training.
Hydrotherapy.
Chiropractic & Osteopathic treatment.
Mechanical treatment with latest technologymachine such as- High-intensity class 4 laser, Microwave diathermy, Superinductive system, & Combo therapy, etc.
Lumbar mechanical or manual traction.
Home exercise program- pelvic tilt exercise inthe supine position, knee lift (marching) in the supine position, quadruped armand leg raise, use of lumbosacral brace or corset, Improve posture and objectlifting technique.