Advice on Spondylolisthesis Lakeside chiropractic

Spondylosthesis is a condition where one bone in your spine (vertebra) slides forward to the bone below. It mostly occurs in your lower spine (lumbosacral) as the majority of your body weight is focused here. Diagnosis is made by x-ray. Which we refer you for if we are suspicious that you may have this condition.

Symptoms may not present immediately after the slippage, where it may even take years for them to appear.

These symptoms include:

• Back or buttock pain
• Pain from lower back down to one or both legs
• Numbness or weakness in one or both legs
• Difficulty walking
• Leg, back, buttock pain that worsens when you bend forward or twist
• Rare, severe cases: Loss of bowel and bladder control

There are 6 different causes of spondylolisthesis:

• Congenital (born with) abnormality in the  upper sacrum or L5 neural arch
• Chronic fracture of a section of vertebra bone (pars interarticularis), from gymnastics or constant back bending
• Degenerative- osteoarthritis, bone spurs
• Traumatic- Injuries fracturing vertebra
• Pathologic- generalized or localized bone disease
• Surgical causes

Grading of spondylolisthesis:

• Grade I    1-25% slip
• Grade II   26-50% slip
• Grade III  51-75% slip
• Grade IV  76-100% slip

Actions to avoid if you have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis:

1. Excessive lifting, usually over 10kg
2. Sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time
3. Excessive bending of the spine forwards and backwards
4. High impact activities for example running or jumping
5. Rotating or twisting of the lower spine over 45 degrees
6. Lying prone (on your stomach) as this increases the arch in your back
7. Swimming with the breast stroke technique
8. Gaining weight (especially around the abdominal area)
9. Wearing high heels
10. Yoga with excessive forward or back bends

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Chiropractors can’t fix spondylolisthesis, only surgery can completely fix the problem. However, a grade 1 or 2 spondylolisthesis can be managed with chiropractic care and Pilates. We have many patients in the practice that have spondylolisthesis that are now pain free and managed. Make sure you wear a back brace whilst doing extended periods of gardening/labor or house work.

At Lakeside Chiropractic we can manage spondylolisthesis using specific chiropractic techniques. These techniques include blocking, flexion distraction, soft tissue work, acupuncture, bracing, electrotherapy, heat packs and exercises.

These exercises for spondylolisthesis include, Hip flexor, hamstring and quad stretches, knee to chest exercises and Upper body work whilst activating the core.

We recommend to review progression of the disorder, patients should seek x-rays every 2-3 years.

We have experience managing these cases successfully at Lakeside Chiropractic in Joondalup, Perth. If you have any further concerns please contact us as we are happy to advise you.

Lakeside Chiropractic is central to Perth’s northern suburbs including Woodvale, yoking, Jindalee, Wembley Downs, Kingsley, Padbury and Hilary’s and is located in the centre of Joondalup on 3/45 Central Walk. We have a HICAPS terminal on site which means you can claim direct from your health fund on the day of your treatment. We are a Medibank and BUPA preferred provider but we are also able to process claims from HBF, HIF, CU Health, health.com.au, ahm, Defence and Australian Unity Health. Here at Lakeside Chiropractic our staff are well trained and regularly see visitors who they are able to successfully treat. Please call us on 9300 0095 or on the website www.lakesidechiro.com.au via the Book Online Now tab.