A chiropractor can help with spondylolisthesis by managing the symptoms associated with it. Lower back pain, for instance, is a common symptom of spondylolisthesis. Chiropractic adjustments can improve the spinal alignment and reduce the pain. The non-invasive approach of chiropractic care to treating the condition yields effective results, especially if you address the symptoms early. It helps manage the symptoms of spondylolisthesis, thereby empowering patients to do daily activities with ease.
What Exactly is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a health condition caused due to the forward slippage of one vertebra in the spinal segment. The vertebra may slip out of its place over another due to injury, stress fracture or natural wear and tear. Women are more likely to be affected than men.
What are the Symptoms?
If you have spondylolisthesis, you can relate to any or all of the following symptoms:
- Lower back pain, especially after standing or walking for long periods
- Leg pain as pressure radiates down on the nerves
- Tightness in the back of thighs
- Weakness in legs or feet
- Tightness in back muscles
- Difficulty in walking or standing for extended periods
- Loss of flexibility in the lower back
Do not delay addressing these concerns whether you suspect spondylolisthesis or not. Healthcare professionals may often recommend chiropractic care or physical therapy to manage the symptoms better. A chiropractor reduces spondylolisthesis symptoms and helps the patient do daily activities pain-free.
How Chiropractors Diagnose Spondylolisthesis?
Chiropractors are spine experts. They evaluate the entire spine, whether or not you complain of lower back pain. Spondylolisthesis can affect other regions of the spine as well.
Note: Chiropractic care doesn’t “cure” spondylolisthesis. It helps manage the symptoms associated with it. So, you can learn to live an active lifestyle with chiropractic treatments.
Here’s how chiropractors diagnose the condition:
Patient history assessment
The chiropractor asks about your symptoms. Most people experience weakness or numbness in their legs after sitting or walking for periods. Other problems they encounter are back pain and leg pain.
They also inquire about your activities that worsen. You should also share information about your medical history, previous injuries and family history of spinal conditions.
Physical examination
As mentioned earlier, the chiropractor evaluates the spine as a whole to determine the extent of injury spondylolisthesis has caused in the region. Here’s how they do that:
- They feel the spine and surrounding muscles to detect tenderness and other abnormalities.
- The patient may have to move their spine in different directions. This helps the chiropractors assess flexibility and pain triggers.
- The chiropractors may use neurological tests to assess nerve function, reflexes and muscle strength to determine if any nerve is being decompressed.
- Spondylolisthesis can affect posture and movement. So, the chiropractor may observe how the patient walks and stands.
- The chiropractor also performs orthopedic and neurological tests such as straight leg raise tests and flexion tests to assess the spine’s response to various circumstances.
- Imaging techniques such as X-rays and MRI provide a visual representation of the bones of your spine. The reports let the chiropractor understand the exact vertebra affected.
Once the diagnosis is done, the chiropractor suggests the most effective treatment options. The regime may vary from person to person, depending on the severity of your injury, lifestyle and medical history.
What are the Chiropractic Treatment Options for Spondylolisthesis?
The goal of chiropractic care is to adjust your spine and bring you relief from the pain. They use different types of spinal adjustment techniques to restore your spinal motion and reduce lower back pain. The treatments differ based on your symptoms. However, every treatment is non-invasive and does not result in side effects.
The most common chiropractic treatments for spondylolisthesis are:
Spinal Adjustments
In Spondylolisthesis, a vertebra (usually the 5th) slips forward out of its place. As the vertebra moves more than it is supposed to, the condition leads to pain and movement stiffness, especially in the lower back.
Realigning the spine in such cases can relieve pressure on the nerves reducing pain. Spinal adjustment is a technique where the chiropractor applies gentle pressure on specific areas of the spine to realign the entire structure.
Flexion-Distraction Therapy
Spondylolisthesis can cause movement difficulties. Flexion-distraction therapy is the application of a gentle force on the spine to stretch it in a controlled manner. It relieves pressure on spinal nerves and discs and improves mobility in the process. The chiropractor assesses the spine to determine the intensity of force so as not to disturb the slipped vertebra.
Postural Training
Poor posture can make spondylolisthesis worse. Slouched shoulders put increased pressure on the spine, weaken the core muscles and misalign the natural ‘S’ curve of the spine. Thus, correcting the posture not only improves your appearance but also prevents spondylolisthesis from worsening.
Chiropractors can use postural training to manage symptoms like back pain. They teach patients how to adopt and maintain proper body alignment while doing daily activities. They guide you on how to lead a healthy life without straining the spine.
These are the most common techniques chiropractors use to help reduce spondylolisthesis symptoms. However, in most cases, patients are recommended other complementary treatments as well based on their unique health needs. The complementary treatments speed up the recovery process and prevent surgery. So, let’s take a look at them.
Other Alternative Treatments for Spondylolisthesis
A combination of physical therapy, soft tissue therapy and chiropractic can help manage spondylolisthesis symptoms. Chiropractors may incorporate any of the following to help the patient get back to an active lifestyle.
Physical Therapy
Physiotherapists guide patients through specific core strengthening, stretching and flexibility exercises, which stabilize the spine and provide relief. It can be challenging to stay active when you are in pain. However, the exercises are crucial to realign the spine and alleviate pain. Physiotherapists determine your condition and prescribe the exercises that are right for you. They teach you the techniques so you can perform them back at home on your own as well.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Chiropractors may use soft tissue therapy to manage the symptoms of spondylolisthesis. It is a manual therapy where the professional applies a certain amount of pressure on the affected muscles, ligaments, fascia, tendons and other soft tissues. This pressure improves mobility, reduces pain and restores optimal muscle function.
There are various techniques involved. The most common ones are massage therapy, myofascial release therapy, and trigger point therapy.
Heat and Cold Application
Heat and cold therapy is effective in spondylolisthesis pain management, especially in the acute phase. The cold therapy numbs the painful area, controls the swelling and reduces inflammation. The chiropractor may ask you about the activities that result in the worsening of the symptoms. They usually recommend applying an ice pack after these activities.
The heat therapy, on the contrary, is effective before physical activities. You can use heating pads to apply heat to the painful area. It relaxes tight muscles, improves flexibility and increases blood flow. The stiff muscles seem to relax after this treatment.
Lifestyle Advice
You must keep your spine healthy, no matter what. In spondylolisthesis, good spine health is important more than ever. Specific lifestyle changes can help with that.
Chiropractors may guide you through weight loss or help you incorporate low-impact exercises into your daily routine. Each piece of advice contributes to better spine health. Excess weight, for instance, puts excess strain on the spine. If chiropractors find you are overweight, they can help you maintain a healthy weight. Similarly, if they detect posture problems, they help you maintain a proper posture and avoid worsening the condition.
Should I See a Chiropractor for Spondylolisthesis?
Yes, you can consult with a chiropractor if you have been suffering from spondylolisthesis. They assess your symptoms and recommend treatments to manage them. They primarily focus on spinal realignment, which helps in reducing pain and restoring mobility. Other treatments like physical therapy and manual therapy speed up the recovery process. In Brampton, clinics like Physiotherapy First offer all the treatments under one roof. You can check them out and opt for a health assessment at your convenience.
