Spondylolisthesis
Studies show that 8 out of 10 Americans will suffer from disabling low back pain at some point in their lives. If you have visited this page, chances are that you are among that 80%.
The lumbar spine as mentioned earlier is made up of 5 separate bones or “vertebra” essentially stacked on top of one another. At the base of your spine is the sacrum and coccyx, or “tailbone”.
Each vertebra is separated by a disc, which acts as a shock absorber, and allows you to bend, twist and rotate at each level independently. The separation that the disc provides also allows an essential space for the spinal nerve roots to exit.
This entire system is bound by fibrous bands called ligaments, and serves as attachments and levers for many different muscles.
Spondylolisthesis occurs when adjacent vertebra become unstable and begin to "slip." The most common cause of spondylolisthesis is due to degenerative changes causing loss of the normal stabilizing structures of the spinal column. Other common causes include trauma, and stress fracture.
When one vertebrae slides relative to the adjacent vertebrae, sensitive nerve structures may become irritated. Additionally, supporting structures such as discs, muscles, and ligaments will also become strained.
Any or all of these structures can create pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in surrounding and even distal areas.
Click on our "3D Spine" tab for a better understanding of spinal injury, prognosis and complications.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with spinal injury, call our office today to see how our techniques can benefit you.
Due to the complexity of the spinal system, it is imperative that any diagnosis be made by a skilled and experience clinician.
We at Discover Chiropractic have been helping patients just like you recover from disabling low back pain for nearly 14 years.
(952) 224-9501
