What is spondylolisthesis?
Your spine is made up of several bones called your vertebrae. Spondylolisthesis is a term given to when one vertebra slips forward on another.
This condition can be graded by noting the amount of slip of the vertebra relating to the vertebra below it.
- Grade 1 - Less than 25%
- Grade 2 - 50%
- Grade 3 - 75%
- Grade 4 - 75%
What causes spondylolisthesis?
Although uncommon, this can occur as a result of problems in the bone which can develop during childhood. The most common age this is seen in is children between the age of 9 and 14, who are missing a section of bone each side of the vertebral column. The loss of bone means reduced support for your vertebra alignment
Spondylolisthesis can also occur as a result of stress fractures to your vertebra causing it to slip forward (excessive athletic activity involving over straightening your spine can cause this - for instance in gymnastics)
You are considered to be at higher risk of getting this condition if you have poor posture, muscle weakness in your back or core and joint stiffness in your back.
Above: Our physiotherapist treating her patient to help settle the symptoms of spondylolisthesisWhat are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis?
- Pain - that increases when you straighten your back (more so if it is repetitive, excessive or prolonged) and eases when you bend your back (for instance when sitting)
- Altered sensation - numbness, tingling
- Muscle tightness or weakness (e.g. in the leg if sciatica)
- Altered posture when walking
How is spondylolisthesis Diagnosed?
Our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio can carry out a detailed examination to highlight if there is a likelihood of spondylolisthesis being your diagnosis.
Spondylolisthesis is normally diagnosed after confirmation with X-ray results, this can be ordered by one of our specialist physiotherapists or through your GP or doctor in A&E if your symptoms are severe.
For more information on how Physiotherapy can help treat spondylolisthesis, or to book yourself an appointment, please contact us via email at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077
What would a physiotherapy assessment for spondylolisthesis involve?
Your first appointment at Liverpool Physio would include a comprehensive assessment which is divided into two parts:
Subjective
A conversation to find out how long you have been experiencing your symptoms, what activities aggravate and ease them, detail your history of injuries and medical treatment and link all this information back to how your back condition is affecting your lifestyle.
Objective
A detailed assessment of your pain, range of movement in your back, neck arms and if necessary hips, muscle strength, sensation, ability to carry out functional tasks and a series of special tests to rule out other conditions.
What would physiotherapy treatment for spondylolisthesis involve?
The treatment for spondylolisthesis depends on the severity of your symptoms and the grade of your injury. Some examples of what treatment you may receive include:
- Electrotherapy - ultrasound, tens
- Heat treatments
- Ice treatments
- Massage
- Stretching
- Core and back strengthening exercises
- Retraining sensation
- Advice on modification of daily activity
- Education about your condition
- Taping
- Joint mobilisations
- Hydrotherapy
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for spondylolisthesis?
If you are experiencing pain, discomfort or altered sensation in your back or neck, you will benefit from an assessment from one of our experienced Physiotherapists. Similarly, if you have been advised you need physiotherapy following an x-ray confirming spondylolisthesis, our physiotherapists can provide you with a personalised beneficial treatment plan.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077.
Summary
Spondylolisthesis can be a very painful and limit your ability to move and rest comfortably. Our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio can assess and refer you for scans, or treat you following confirmation of your diagnosis. At Liverpool Physio we can use a range of pain relief techniques and mobilisation exercises to alleviate your symptoms. A tailored rehabilitation exercise plan will be developed to help you achieve your personal recovery goals and the best possible return to the normal functional activities of daily living.
Above: Spondylolisthesis may present as lower back pain that worsens during activity.For more information on how Physiotherapy can help treat spondylolisthesis, or to book yourself an appointment, please contact us via email at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077
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