Spondylolisthesis

Up to 6% of the United States population has spondylolisthesis, a condition that can contribute to uncomfortable back pain. With offices in Beverly Hills  and the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, Robert H. Cho, MD, diagnoses and treats spondylolisthesis to ease your discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. Schedule an appointment with orthopedic surgeon Robert Cho, MD, by calling the office or booking online today.

What is spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that happens when vertebrae in your spine move out of the proper alignment, placing pressure on the vertebrae below and sometimes nerves around your spine. 

Lower back pain is a common symptom of spondylolisthesis, but this condition may also affect your mid back or neck. Dr. Cho diagnoses the cause of back or neck pain and offers nonsurgical or surgical interventions to ease your discomfort. 

Which symptoms can spondylolisthesis cause?

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis may include:

• Sciatica
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Leg pain
• Radiating pain
• Back stiffness
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Tingling

You might also experience difficulty walking or standing for long periods because of spondylolisthesis. 

What are the risk factors for spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis risk factors may include:

• Age-related wear-and-tear
• Sports injuries
• Genetics
• Growth spurts in children
• Falls
• Car accidents
• Being over 50
• Being female
• Being an athlete
• Family history of spondylolisthesis

Regardless of the cause, see Dr. Cho as soon as possible to reduce pain and your risk of spinal arthritis, nerve damage, incontinence, or other complications. 

How is spondylolisthesis diagnosed?

Dr. Cho discusses your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and medications to learn if you might have spondylolisthesis. 

He also completes a physical exam and may recommend spinal X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. Dr. Cho determines how severe your spondylolisthesis is and which treatment will be the most effective.

He checks for spondylolysis, a condition causing small fractures between two vertebrae that increases your risk of spondylolisthesis.

How is spondylolisthesis treated?

Your customized spondylolisthesis treatment plan may consist of:

• Rest
• Bracing 
• Physical therapy
• Medications 
• Injections 
• Spinal decompression 
• Surgery

If you have severe spondylolisthesis, Dr. Cho may recommend surgery. He offers spinal fusion to properly align your vertebrae and increase strength in the area.

You can’t always avoid spondylolisthesis, but there are several ways to lower your risk. Examples include strengthening your abdominal and back muscles, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and completing regular bone density screenings if necessary.

Make sure you’re getting enough calcium and other bone-strengthening nutrients in your diet and/or are taking a dietary supplement if asked to.

Schedule a spondylolisthesis evaluation with Robert H. Cho, MD, by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.