How Chiropractic Can Help Spondylolisthesis
If you are suffering from lower back pain, you are certainly not alone. There are lots of people who suffer from low back pain, and one of the most common causes is spondylolisthesis. Even though you may think that you need to undergo spinal surgery in order to correct this condition, this is not always the case. Chiropractic care may be able to help you if you have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. What is this condition? How can chiropractic care help you? There are several important points you need to keep in mind. Continue reading to learn more…
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a specific spinal condition that leads to instability. Your vertebrae are supposed to provide you with some degree of flexibility. This allows you to bend backward, forward, and side to side. At the same time, there may be some situations where your vertebrae move too much.
If one of your vertebrae slips out of place, this could put pressure on a nerve. This can lead to significant pain. If your vertebral discs are irritating the nerves in your back, you may be diagnosed with spondylolisthesis.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms?
Like other conditions, spondylolisthesis can vary markedly in its severity from person to person. Some people who have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis may not have very many symptoms. Other people may have symptoms that are so severe they are unable to walk.
There are a few common symptoms of spondylolisthesis, including:
- You may experience muscle spasms, particularly in your legs
- Your back may feel a bit stiff because you do not want to move that much due to discomfort
- You may have a difficult time standing for long periods of time
- You might experience pain that gets worse when you bend over
- You may notice numbness or tingling in your feet or ankles
- You may notice a sudden, electrical shock-like sensations that travel down your legs, particularly when you move
It is not unusual for doctors to order x-rays or MRI scans in order to confirm this diagnosis. After you have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, you may think you need to take prescription medications or undergo surgery. Fortunately, this is not always the case.
How Can a Chiropractor Help Treat Spondylolisthesis?
If you are concerned that you may have spondylolisthesis, you should meet with a chiropractor. A chiropractor can identify the root cause of spondylolisthesis. Then, he or she can develop a treatment plan to eradicate the root cause. This can not only help you treat the symptoms but also prevent them from coming back.
A chiropractor can perform adjustments on your vertebrae, moving them back into the right positions. This can prevent the vertebrae in your back from irritating your nerves. Then, if the chiropractor realizes that your vertebrae are still too close together, traction therapy may be helpful as well. These are just a few of the many treatment techniques that a chiropractor may use to treat spondylolisthesis. Massage therapy, physical therapy, and even acupuncture may play a role in the treatment process, too.
Rely on a Chiropractor for Help with Lower Back Pain
Clearly, a professional chiropractor can help someone who suffers from spondylolisthesis; however, this is only one of the many causes of lower back pain. If you are suffering from lower back pain, you may not have to take prescription medications or undergo surgery in order to treat this condition. Make sure you speak with a chiropractor before you make decisions regarding your health. A chiropractor may be able to help you if you have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. If you live in our local area, give us a call. We’re here to help!