Spondylolisthesis. It is one of those long
back pain condition words that calls on some
practice to say, and one of those spinal conditions that
chiropractic can skillfully help in diagnosing,
managing, treating, and referring as necessary for other care. Manahawkin Chiropractic Center knows that the
gentler the treatment, the better the outcome; the more stable the spondylolisthesis,
the more responsive to conservative care. Some of the latest studies on this spinal condition share hope for pain
relief to those in Manahawkin with spondylolisthesis.
WHAT SPONDYLOLISTHESIS IS
A spinal condition that happens when one
vertebral body (one of the spinal bones) slips forward or backward
on the vertebral body next to it resulting
in back and/or leg pain,
spondylolisthesis is not too unusual a condition.
About 20% of the adult population has
it. Low back pain often accompanies it. Degenerative
spondylolisthesis is most often diagnosed at the L4/5 lumbar spine
level in adulthood. Non-degenerative spondylolisthesis usually affects the L5/S1 level. (1) Researchers analyzed
the natural history of degenerative spondylolisthesis and its related
slippage by reviewing published studies. They discovered
that over 4 to 25 years, 12% to 20% acquired
degenerative spondylolisthesis while 12%-34% of existing degenerative spondylolisthesis
progressed. It’s valuable to note that 2/3 of spondylolisthesis
patients’ slips didn’t progress. (2) Non-progressing is good! Even
degenerative is good as it often responds to care. Your Manahawkin chiropractor is ready to help
with Manahawkin spondylolisthesis!
CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT OF SPONDYLOLISTHESIS
In our Manahawkin chiropractic clinic, spondylolisthesis
is managed via the conservative, non-surgical Cox® Technic
System. Published studies, case reports, and clinical data have revealed
treatment outcomes. In a case study of a patient with both an
extruded L4/5 disc herniation and a spondylolytic spondylolisthesis at L5/S1,
pain was documented to reduce from a 9 to 1 on a
10 point scale in only 9 visits over 4 weeks of care. At 10 years
follow up, the patient stayed stable. (3) In another case study
of a US Marine Veteran, the patient reported a 25% decrease
in pain and 22% decrease in disability in 10 treatments over 2 months leading the researchers to close
the report with the conclusion that this care may well be a safe
and effective approach. (4) Then, in a 1000 cases study with data from
31 different chiropractic clinics, L4/5 spondylolisthesis seemed to take
more visits and time than L5/S1 spondylolisthesis to experience
maximal clinical improvement. The mean number of days to maximal improvement
was 29 days and 12 visits regardless of the condition. Overall,
95% of spondylolisthesis patients had maximal clinical improvement
in fewer than 90 days. The gentler the treatment the more
beneficial with spondylolisthesis. (5) Bracing spondylolisthesis (and
other chronic spinal conditions like spondylosis and degenerated disc)
is a common component of the non-surgical, conservative treatment
plan to enhance function and reduce pain. (6)
Manahawkin Chiropractic Center will share the complete treatment plan – nutrition, exercise,
bracing, treatment - with you.
CONTACT Manahawkin Chiropractic Center
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Lee Hazen on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
illustrates treatment of
degenerative spondylolisthesis utilizing The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain
Management.
Whether you can pronounce spondylolisthesis or
not, be sure to make your Manahawkin chiropractic
appointment today get relief!