We put our spines through a lot of stress each and every day, and eventually this can lead to alignment issues within the spinal column. One common form of spinal misalignment is called spondylolisthesis, and it occurs when a vertebra slips forward. If it shifts too far out of place, it can compress nerves or the bone beneath it, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Below, we take a closer look at some of the ways you can prevent and treat a misaligned spine.
Causes And Symptoms Of Spinal Misalignment
Spondylolisthesis can develop for a few different reasons, but the most common factors that contribute to its onset include natural age-related degeneration, spinal arthritis, traumatic injury or a congenital defect in the spine’s facet joints. Symptoms will vary based on the location of the vertebral slippage and the extent to which it has shifted out of place. Some of the most common symptoms associated with a spondylolisthesis-related spinal misalignment include:
- Pain
- A tingling sensation in your arms and legs
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness in your legs
- Difficulty walking
- Fatigue
- Increasing pain in your lower back, neck or hips
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, especially if you’re older and have likely experienced some natural degeneration in your spinal column, connect with a specialist like Dr. Todd Jackman. He’ll be able to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and individualized treatment plan based on your needs. Here’s some more information about the diagnosis and treatment process.
Diagnosing And Treating Spinal Misalignments
Your specialist will begin by asking about your symptoms and reviewing your medical history. They’ll ask what makes symptoms worse and if any actions help them alleviate. From there, they’ll conduct a physical exam. They’ll assess your posture, your movements and your spinal column, and they may have you perform a few light actions or motions to see how your body responds. Oftentimes your doctor will have a good idea of what’s going on in your spine after this assessment, but to determine the specific location of a misalignment and the severity of the vertebral shifting, they’ll likely order imaging testing.
X-rays are commonly ordered to observe the alignment of the spinal vertebrae, but if your doctor wants a more detailed picture of other nearby structures, they may order an MRI or CT scan. This will allow them to pinpoint the precise location of the shifted spinal vertebra, which can not only provide answers as to why you’re in pain, but it can help to dictate the best course of treatment.
Treatment typically focuses on gentle exercises to help strengthen your back muscles and your core, as this can help to take pressure off your spinal column and allow the vertebra to naturally realign. Controlled exercise like walking, yoga or swimming are great options, as is targeted physical therapy. Under the direction of a trained physical therapist, you will perform exercises and movements to develop key muscles and decompress nerves that are affected by the shifted spinal vertebra. A spine specialist or chiropractor may also be able to manually manipulate the spine to help relieve pressure and realign your spinal column.
In the event that conservative treatments don’t do the trick, a minimally invasive procedure may be recommended. Procedures like an endoscopic foraminalplasty or an endoscopic laminotomy can help to relieve nerve pressure and ensure the integrity of your spinal alignment. Dr. Jackman and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute have extensive experience performing these procedures, and they are confident that they’ll find a treatment that is right for you.
For more information about treating a spinal misalignment, or to talk to a specialist about a different spinal issue you’re experiencing, reach out to Dr. Jackman’s office today at (651) 430-3800.
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