Spondylolisthesis can lead to some serious complications if not diagnosed and treated properly on time. According to the symptoms, the physical examination, and the radiological examination, a proper treatment plan should be started with immediate effect. The treatment of Spondylolisthesis depends on the severity of the condition. If the condition is not serious then it can be managed by non-surgical methods for pain management. But in severe cases surgical intervention is necessary.
Various surgical and non-surgical treatment options for Spondylolisthesis are explained in this article by India’s best neurosurgeon Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti.
Non-surgical treatment:
- Rest:
Adequate rest and a break from strenuous activities should be taken. Sports and activities that put pressure on the low back should be avoided.
- Physical therapy:
A physical therapist can teach a set of exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back and the abdomen. Doing these exercises regularly can reduce pain after some time.
- Medications:
Anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to reduce the pain.
- Back brace:
A brace can also be used to stabilize the spine and to limit the movements on the spine. It will help in the process of healing.
- Injections:
Epidural steroid injections can also be used if the medications are not able to manage pain properly.
Surgical treatment:
It is always recommended to try out non-surgical methods first, but in severe cases surgery might be necessary. The goals and expected outcomes of the surgery include stability, pain relief, and functional restoration. The surgical procedure performed for this process is called spinal fusion. Firstly, spinal decompression is performed in which disc and bone are removed in order to reduce the pressure on the nerve. Then, in order to prevent any future slippage the affected vertebra are fused.
Functional activities can be resumed gradually. In most cases, pain is settled down after the recovery. It usually takes 4-8 months to fully fuse the bones.