Chiropractic Care and Spondylolisthesis in Te Puke - What you Need to Know!

We see a lot of case of Spondylolisthesis here at Te Puke Chiropractic and have never written a blog post on it, until now! Spondylolisthesis is a condition that happens in the spine whereby one of the vertebra slips forward compared to the next vertebra below. Forward slippage of one vertebra on another is also referred to as an anterolisthesis, while backward slippage is referred to as retrolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis can lead to a deformity of the spine as well as a narrowing of the spinal canal or irritation of the exiting nerve roots.

Approximately 5-6% of females, and 2-3% of males have a spondylolisthesis. It becomes apparent more often in people who are involved with very physical activities such as weightlifting, gymnastics, or football. Males are more likely than females to develop symptoms from the disorder, primarily due to their engaging in more physical activities.

Many people with spondylolisthesis in Te Puke will have no symptoms, and will only become aware of the problem when it is revealed on an x-ray for a different problem. However, there are several symptoms that often accompany spondylolisthesis:

• Pain in the low back, especially after exercise
• Increased lordosis (i.e., swayback).
• Pain and/or weakness in one or both thighs or legs
• Reduced ability to control bowel and bladder functions
• Tight hamstring musculature

In cases of advanced spondylolisthesis changes may occur in the way people stand and walk; for example, development of a waddling style of walking. This causes the abdomen to protrude further, due to the low back curving forward more. The torso (chest, etc.) may seem shorter; and muscle spasms in the low back may occur.

Spondylolisthesis and Chiropractic Care in Te Puke

Spondylolisthesis has been widely studied, but management can be challenging. There are a wide range of treatments for Spondylolisthesis such as bracing, exercise, chiropractic adjustment and ultimately spinal fusion (only for severe unstable cases where the affected vertebra is moving with day to day activities). The care for people suffering from spondylolisthesis pain should be focused on long term results rather than temporary symptom relief. That is why at Te Puke Chiropractic a full spine approach, with an objective examination and analysis of weight bearing x-rays, is of great importance to outcomes.

Response to Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic patients have an excellent prognosis with Spondylolisthesis when treated early. Adults with Spondylolisthesis more often need the segments above and below adjusted as well as the sacroiliac joints. Addressing the alignment and position of the pelvis, because this is what the rest of the spine sits on, has huge benefits to not only improving patient outcomes, but preventing recurrences in the future.

Improving Stability and Control

Avoiding prolonged periods of time in extension for the low back is one of the main ways to maintain stability and control of the condition. Lumbar spine flexion is commonly associated with a nice or pleasure feeling for the low back and is fine. In our clinic, specific exercises (Williams) are commonly given to the patient to help them hold their adjustments and also maintain the strength/stability of the segments around the spondylolisthesis. This is usually suggested to be done 3-4 times per week.

Be assured that chiropractic care does offer a positive approach to helping spondylolisthesis cases. For the majority of those checked in our clinic, there has either been a significant overall improvement or it has completely solved the problem. If you or someone you know is suffering needlessly, feel free to call us at 613-726-8830 for a complimentary consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

Dr. David Guest is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Mount Maunganui and Te Puke Chiropractic in the Bay of Plenty.  Dr. Guest focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 17 years. You can reach Dr. Guest at david@mtchiro.co.nz or (07) 573 9988.