Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis are Serious Spinal Cord Injuries and Can Worsen Unless You Treat It.
Spondylolysis is a defect in the spinal cord, typically caused by a stress fracture in the bone. Spondylolysis occurs in approximately 5 percent of the population in the U.S. It is also common in athletes and in victims of car accidents.
As a result of this weakness or trauma, the vertebrae on top of the injury location in the spinal column may slip forwards or backward over the lower one, resulting in spondylolisthesis. It can lead to a deformity of the spine as well as a narrowing of the spinal canal or compression of the exiting nerve roots. Causes of spondylolisthesis are trauma, degenerative, tumor, and birth defects.
Symptoms of Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Common symptoms include lower back pain, which is worsened with activity, especially hyperextension of the spine. Some people may experience tight hamstring muscles. Though, in many cases, those with spondylolysis do not experience any symptoms until after a trauma when their condition becomes symptomatic. This is called an aggravation of a preexisting condition.
Some patients can develop pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or loss of control of bowel or bladder function due to nerve compression.
How is Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnosed?
When diagnosing spondylolysis, doctors use X-rays, CT scans, PET scan, MRIs, or bone scans. Spondylolisthesis is graded according to the percentage of skip of the vertebra compared to the neighboring vertebra.
Grade I is a slip of up to 25%,
Grade II is between 26%-50%,
Grade III is between 51%-75%,
Grade IV is between 76% and 100%, and
Grade V, or spondylotosis occurs when the vertebra has completely fallen off the next vertebra.
How Do You Treat Spondylolisthesis?
Surgical v. Non-Surgical Methods
For mild symptoms, doctors recommend bed rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain from inflammation. In most cases, patients respond well to a conservative treatment plan.
Patients with pain, numbness and tingling in the legs may benefit from a cortisone injection. In some cases, a hyperextension brace can extend the lumbar spine to bring the two portions of bone closer together.
If this doesn't work, surgery is recommended based on the type of spondylolisthesis the patient has. This vertebrae is either moved back to its normal position or fused together where they are. There is some increased risk of injury to the nerve with moving the vertebra back to the normal position.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent spondylolisthesis. Though, engaging in activities such as weight lifting, gymnastics, and football may increase the risk of developing the condition.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis because of a traumatic event in the San Diego area, such as a car accident, contact the spinal cord injury attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group. We will get you the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries. Call our San Diego personal injury law office today at 888-233-5020 to set up a free consultation.
Have you been injured in an accident in San Diego or anywhere in California and don't know what to do next? We are here to help and provide you with the important and relevant information you need to make an informed decision about:
- How to handle your personal injury claim
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Call the Jurewitz Law Group at 888-233-5020 to order one of our free California personal injury books to get the information you need or to set up a free consultation with one of our experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys.
