Spondylolisthesis in Austin: What It Is & How To Treat It
October 6, 2022
Spondylolisthesis (pronounced spohn-di-low-less-THEE-sis) is a condition that occurs when a small bone in your spine—a vertebra—accidentally slips out of place. A frequent cause of lower back and leg pain, spondylolisthesis affects between 4 to 6 percent of the population, and is possible to live with for many years without experiencing pain. Unfortunately, for those who do, spondylolisthesis can be a profoundly unpleasant experience—causing both pain and discomfort—and making it difficult to stand and walk as a result.
In this short post, learn about the common causes of and treatments for spondylolisthesis, and discover where you can find the best doctor to go for spondylolisthesis in Austin, Texas.
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a common spinal disorder in which a vertebra—one of the small bones that make up your spine—slips out of place. While out of place, the vertebra can exert pressure on both the bone below it and your nearby nerves—which can cause pain in your lower back and legs.
What Are the Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
The most common symptoms of Spondylolisthesis are lower back and leg pain, muscle tightness and stiffness, and sciatica: a numbness or tingling sensation that can extend from your back to your legs. Patients will often report the pain “spreading” down their legs, especially tight hamstrings, and experience difficulty standing, walking, or bending over as a result.
What Causes Spondylolisthesis in Austin?
Spondylolisthesis occurs when your vertebrae moves more than it should, which can be caused by injuries, genetics, or from age-related conditions. For those who are athletes, playing sports can put you at risk for spondylolisthesis, since sports that stretch the lumbar spine (such as football or gymnastics) can easily cause a fracture. For those who are older, degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis can put you at risk, as weakened cartilage (the tissue that cushions your joints) can make it easier for your vertebrae to slip out.
What Treatments Are Available for Spondylolisthesis in Austin?
Most of the time, spondylolisthesis can be treated using a combination of nonsurgical treatments, including over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, physical therapy, and rest. A brace may also be recommended to help stabilize your spine and to limit movement so that your fractures will have sufficient time to heal.
If you have severe Spondylolisthesis, or if your nonsurgical treatments don’t provide relief, a pain doctor in Austin may recommend advanced procedures to achieve long term relief. Advanced procedures can stabilize your spine where the vertebra has slipped, help relieve the pain caused by your irritated nerve, and restore mobility.
When Should I See a Doctor in Austin for Spondylolisthesis?
Generally speaking, you should visit a pain doctor any time you experience pain that’s so unpleasant you find it difficult to do everyday activities, such as walking, standing, or bending over.
Whether or not it’s Spondylolisthesis will come down to whether your doctor finds that a vertebra is out of place. If it is, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan based on the severity or “grade” of the injury. Low grade (I or II) spondylolisthesis can typically be treated using a combination of non-surgical procedures, while high grade (II or IV) spondylolisthesis may require advanced procedures.
Get The Best Spondylolisthesis Treatment in Austin
Looking for the best doctor to see for spondylolisthesis in Austin, Texas? You found them!
At Greater Austin Pain Center, we take a multidisciplinary approach to pain management in Austin! That means we do not just diagnose your symptoms, but assess your overall health. During your initial consultation, we will take everything—from the grade of your slippage and symptoms, to your medical history, age, and health—into account when diagnosing your condition. From there, we will recommend a custom treatment plan made to combat your pain at the source, and ensure a swift and stable recovery.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for Spondylolisthesis treatment in Austin, or to learn more about our multidisciplinary approach to pain management!
