Spondylolisthesis
Neurosurgery located in Birmingham, AL
Up to 6% of adults have spondylolisthesis, a painful condition that causes low back pain. At Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine in Birmingham, Alabama, the board-certified neurosurgeons offer various treatments for spondylolisthesis designed to relieve pain and improve your mobility. Call the office to request a spondylolisthesis consultation today, or make an appointment online.
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the bones in your spine (vertebrae) changes position, falling on top of the bone below it. If this occurs, it may place pressure on a nerve, resulting in lower back pain, numbness, and tingling.
Everyone experiences lower back pain occasionally, but if your symptoms last for more than a day or two and don’t improve, it’s crucial to seek treatment.
There are several conditions similar to spondylolisthesis, including:
Spinal instability occurs when two or more of your vertebrae have a greater-than-normal range of motion. If two or more vertebrae rub against each other, it increases your risk of herniated discs, compressed nerves, and other back problems.
Pars defects (spondylolysis) are stress fractures that form in the vertebrae of the lower spine. These injuries are especially common in athletes and other active people.
Anterolisthesis occurs when one of your vertebrae slips in front of the one below it. Symptoms are very similar to spondylolisthesis.
Symptoms of spondylolisthesis include:
Spondylolisthesis may cause numbness, tingling, or pins and needles sensations in your legs or feet.
Your Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine provider reviews your health charts, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical and neurological exam. Then, they order diagnostic imaging, including a spinal X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. These procedures capture photos of your vertebrae and the surrounding tissues.
Treatment of spondylolisthesis depends on the severity of your symptoms and your general health. Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine might recommend:
If your symptoms continue or get worse, even after conservative treatments, your provider might recommend surgery. Spondylolisthesis surgery can relieve pain from an irritated nerve, stabilize your spine, and restore your range of motion.
Call Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine to receive treatment for spondylolisthesis today, or make an appointment online.