Relief From Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis causes lower back pain and a narrowing of the vertebral canal. The condition can also cause leg pain if the area where the nerves come out of the spinal canal narrows. There are five major types of spondylolisthesis, but they are all caused by a vertebra that slips forward and puts pressure on the adjacent vertebrae. Treatment for spondylolisthesis ranges from rest to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and associated pain levels.

Rest

• Many patients are able to control spondylolisthesis pain by resting and refraining from vigorous exercise and activities during periods of increased discomfort. Make sure you sit and stand properly with good posture and do not engage in high-impact exercises like running or aerobics.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Maintain good posture to keep your spine healthy and strong. Maintain a healthy body weight or talk to your doctor about diet and exercise modifications to help you lose weight if need be. Try to avoid activities that put excess strain on your lower back, such as heavy lifting and unnecessary bending. Do not smoke, and use alcohol in moderation to keep your body healthy.

Trigger Point Therapy

• Massage therapists, physical therapists and chiropractors use trigger point therapy to help relieve pain in the lower back. Muscles can tighten and cause irritation points. These can be relieved through the application of gentle pressure and massage techniques. You can purchase devices that enable you to self-treat, but check with your doctor or therapist before using these.

Electrical Therapy

• Low-frequency electrical currents can help relieve pain and swelling in the lower back. Physical therapists have machines with electrodes that are attached to painful areas to help relieve pain. If you suffer from chronic pain due to spondylolisthesis, talk to your doctor or therapist about purchasing a TENS unit that you can use at home for electrical therapy.

Stretching and Strengthening

• Gentle stretching exercises can help reduce pain in the lower back significantly. If you experience leg pain, try hamstring stretches to relieve muscle tension. Strengthening your lower back and core abdominal muscles will help relieve pain and provide support for your spine so that your condition does not worsen. Stretching and strengthening exercises should not be painful or uncomfortable. To avoid injury, do not push yourself too far.

Braces

• Lower-back braces help keep your spine stable and allow your vertebrae to heal. Stabilization can help relieve pain, and compression from back braces can relieve swelling. Always wear your back brace as directed by your doctor or therapist, and let your doctor know if you gain or lose a significant amount of weight so that your brace can be adjusted or you can get a new one for a better fit.

Medication

• Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help relieve pain and inflammation from spondylolisthesis. Always take medications exactly as directed and follow dosing instructions carefully. If over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers do not adequately control your pain, your doctor may suggest epidural steroid injections to help ease disc pressure and pain.

Surgery

• Surgery for spondylolisthesis is a last resort when all other treatment options have failed. Spinal fusion procedures can help stabilize the affected vertebrae so that they do not slip. Decompressive laminectomies can reduce inflammation.