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Cervical Spondylolithesis Treatment

Spondylolisthesis is when one vertebra slips forward of the vertebra below. Spondylolisthesis occurs most often in the lumbar spine (lower back), and cervical (neck) spondylolisthesis is rare.

  1. Cause/Symptoms

    • Cervical spondylolisthesis may result from a neck injury or rheumatoid arthritis and usually causes neck pain and stiffness. Spondylolisthesis often causes instability in the spine.

    Rest

    • Initial cervical spondylolithesis treatment is conservative. When the pain is acute, treatment may start with rest to help relieve symptoms.

    Pain Medication

    • Your doctor may recommend pain medications.

    Exercise

    • Your doctor may recommend strengthening and stretching exercises for your neck or have you work with a physical therapist.

    Surgery

    • If conservative treatments do not relieve your pain, surgery can decompress the spine and relieve pressure on spinal nerves. However, neck surgery has risks, including paralysis, that must be taken into consideration.

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