Spondylolisthesis

Severe spondylolisthesis can affect a person’s posture and movement. When your spine slips forward, you might need to lean forward or walk with a waddle. If left untreated, it could cause serious nerve damage resulting in the loss of bladder or bowel control.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra in the lumbar spine slips forward. It can occur because of a birth defect, trauma, or disease. An X-ray and a detailed CT scan will help your doctor diagnose spondylolisthesis.

Symptoms
Lower back pain

Tight or spasming hamstrings

Pain shooting down the leg

Weak or numb legs

Numb or tingling feet
Causes

A birth defect could cause your spine to slip forward. Sometimes it’s caused by trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. It also can be a product of an overuse injury, which is caused by repetitive stress on the vertebral bone. Disease and tumors can also cause spondylolisthesis. In adults, arthritis and a loss of disc elasticity can lead to spondylolisthesis.
Treatment Options

Treating spondylolisthesis depends how much your spine slips forward. Northshore surgeons, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh, Dr. Justin L. Owen, Dr. Sean Michael Rider and Dr. Jeremy James are conservative, minimally-invasive spine surgeons. At AVALA Spine we will work with you to treat your condition non-surgically first. Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, back brace and physical therapy may provide relief. When conservative treatments fail, surgery is recommended.
Potential Minimally Invasive Procedures
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES

AVALA Spine offers spinal procedures using minimally invasive techniques. It means smaller incisions, sometimes less than an inch, that is often covered with a band-aid. The minimally invasive spine surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through the tiny incisions to access the damaged disc. Unlike traditional “open” spine surgery, entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues. Less muscle and tissue damage results in less pain and a faster recovery. Click here to learn more.

This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and links to other sites, AVALA Spine provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use this information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. AVALA Spine is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

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