Call us to set up an appointment! 360-260-6903

Spondylolisthesis: Check out Chiropractic Care

Spondylolisthesis. It’s one of those long spinal condition words that demands some practice to articulate, and one of those spinal conditions that chiropractic can capably help in diagnosing, managing, treating, and referring if necessary for other care. Vancouver Disc Centers knows that the gentler the treatment, the better the outcome; the more stable the spondylolisthesis, the more receptive to conservative care. Some of the more recent studies on this spinal condition share hope for pain relief to those in Vancouver with spondylolisthesis.

WHAT SPONDYLOLISTHESIS IS

A spinal condition that happens when one vertebral body (one of the spine’s bones) slips forward or backward upon the vertebral body next to it causing radicular or mechanical symptoms or pain, spondylolisthesis is not too unusual a condition. Approximately 20% of the adult population experiences it. Low back pain often accompanies it. Degenerative spondylolisthesis is most often seen at the L4/5 lumbar spine level in adulthood. Non-degenerative spondylolisthesis usually affects the L5/S1 level. (1) Researchers studied the natural history of degenerative spondylolisthesis and its related slippage by looking through published studies. They found 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 Vancouver chiropractor is ready to help with Vancouver spondylolisthesis!

CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT OF SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

In our Vancouver chiropractic clinic, spondylolisthesis is treated with the conservative, non-surgical Cox® Technic System. Published studies, case reports, and clinical data have shown treatment outcomes. In a case study of a patient experiencing both an extruded L4/5 disc herniation and a spondylolytic spondylolisthesis at L5/S1, pain was reported to decrease from a 9 to 1 on a 10 point scale in just 9 visits over 4 weeks of care. At 10 years follow up, the patient remained stable. (3) In another case study of a US Marine Veteran, the patient noted a 25% decrease in pain and 22% reduction 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 the 1000 cases study with data from 31 different chiropractic clinics, L4/5 spondylolisthesis took 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 experienced 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 improve function and reduce pain. (6) Vancouver Disc Centers will share the complete treatment plannutrition, exercise, bracing, treatment - with you.

CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Lee Hazen on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes  treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis using The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.

Whether you can say spondylolisthesis or not, be sure to schedule your Vancouver chiropractic appointment soon get relief!

 Vancouver spondylolisthesis
 
« View All Spine Articles
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."