Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis Treatment North West Palm Beach County Port St. Lucie Ft Fort Pierce Vero Beach US Virgin Islands Jupiter Island Florida FL

The most common cause of low back pain in adolescent athletes that can be seen on X-ray is a stress fracture in one of the bones that make up the spinal column. This condition is called spondylolysis (spon-dee-low-lye-sis).

If the stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it is unable to maintain its proper position, the vertebra can start to shift out of place. When one vertebrae slips forward on the adjacent vertebrae the condition is called spondylolisthesis. If too much slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves. This condition can be the source of back pain, leg pain and other symptoms. Surgery may be necessary to for spondylolisthesis treatment.

The causes of Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis:

Genetics

There may be a hereditary aspect. An individual may be born with thin vertebral bone. Significant periods of rapid growth may encourage slippage.

Overuse

Some sports such as gymnastics, weight lifting and football put a great deal of stress on the bones in the lower back. This can cause a stress fracture on one or both sides of the vertebrae.

Nonsurgical Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Treatment:

Your doctor will be able to discuss with you what your diagnosis means in terms of treatment options. For most people without any signs of nerve compression or other neurologic impairment, the first line of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis treatment consists of non-surgical therapies such as

Physical Therapy
Bracing
Epidural spinal injections
Anti-inflammatory medications

Surgical Options:

Spine surgery is typically considered only after conservative therapies fail to adequately relieve symptoms over a significant period of time, or if evidence of nerve involvement, such as numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or bowel or bladder impairment, develops.

Surgical procedures that may be recommended for Spondylolisthesis treatment include:

Spinal decompression, a procedure in which bone is removed to eliminate nerve pressure
Spinal fusion, a procedure in which bone graft material is placed between vertebrae to join – or fuse together – the vertebrae to restore spinal stability

The spondylolisthesis treatment procedures are typically performed together as part of the same surgery, the overall goal of which is to stop the slippage, remove the source of irritation and inflammation and restore the stability of the spine.

The benefits of spine surgery, however, must be weighed against the risks. Discuss with your surgeon the risks and benefits of surgery, and the potential results of operative versus non-operative spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis treatment.

Other common procedures for Spondylolysthesis treatment include:

ALIF – Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Spinal Fusion Surgery
TLIF – Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion
XLIF – Extreme Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Back Conditions

Dr. Lenard can help reduce or eliminate the back pain caused by these back conditions:

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve) Treatment

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy is the clinical term for a condition which irritates the nerve in the cervical spine (neck). It is commonly called “pinched nerve” and it is caused by injury to the root of a spinal nerve. The discs between the bones of the spine bulge and lose height as we age, causing a nerve to become “pinched” by the bones. This results in sharp pain, or “pins and needles” sensation, or even numbness in the neck, shoulder, and arms. Read More

Spinal Cord Compression

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy is a condition where the spinal canal in the neck narrows, compressing the spinal cord and causing pain and stiffness in the neck, loss of balance, and a tingling sensation or numbness. CSM is usually caused by wear and tear from age. It is most common in people over the age of 50, although it can occur earlier if they have had an injury to the spine at a young age. Surgery is advised in many cases of CSM because nonsurgical treatments cannot reverse the compression most of the time. Read More

Herniated Disc

The flexible cartilage discs between the bones of the spinal column are filled with a soft gel that cushions the bones and allows the spine to twist and bend. Degeneration or damage to a disc can cause this gel to leak into the spinal canal and press against the nerve, causing pain. Read More

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis & Cervical Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is a condition caused by narrowing of the spinal canal, which holds the spinal cord and nerve roots. Spinal stenosis in the lower back is called lumbar spinal stenosis and cause aching pain in the back, which can radiate into the buttocks, legs, and even feet. Stenosis in the neck is called cervical stenosis and causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg, foot, arm, or hand, and can also cause balance problems. Spinal stenosis is most commonly a result of advanced age, although some people can be born with it. Read More

Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

Stress Fracture in the Spinal Column

A Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in one of the bones in the spinal column. It is the most common cause of lower back pain in adolescent athletes. Spondylolisthesis is when the fractured bone cannot maintain its position and begins to slip out of place, possibly slipping far enough to put pressure on the spinal nerves. Read More

Scoliosis

Lateral Curve of the Spine

A lateral (sideways) curve in the normally straight vertical spine is referred to as scoliosis. Small curves do not cause any problems, but larger ones often cause discomfort and pain. Scoliosis can occur at any age and is more common in females than males. Read More

Spinal Fracture

Medical Term Here

A Spinal Fracture is a break in one or more of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. Depending on the extent of the injury, the ligaments that surround the vertebrae and the cartilage discs between may be torn as well. A spinal fracture can be anything from a single break to bones shattered into many pieces. Although severe fractures typically result from extreme trauma to the back, a spine weakened from osteoporosis (low bone density) can fracture as a result of less intense activity, such as heavy lifting or twisting too quickly. Read More

Degenerative Disc Disease

Pain Caused by a Damaged Disc

Degenerative Disc Disease, despite its name, is not exactly a disease. It is a condition which causes pain from damage to one of the discs between the bones of the spine. It most often occurs in the lower back and neck. Read More

Failed Prior Surgeries

Regardless of your past results, Dr. Lenard may be able to help. What many surgeons have been unable to resolve, Dr. Lenard can fix. Just because you have been told that you cannot be helped, does not make it so. Read More

Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

The causes of Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis:

Genetics

Overuse

Nonsurgical Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Treatment:

Surgical Options:

Back Conditions

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve) Treatment

Cervical Radiculopathy

Spinal Cord Compression

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Herniated Disc

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis & Cervical Stenosis

Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

Stress Fracture in the Spinal Column

Scoliosis

Lateral Curve of the Spine

Spinal Fracture

Medical Term Here

Degenerative Disc Disease

Pain Caused by a Damaged Disc

Failed Prior Surgeries

Contact Dr. Alexander Lenard

561-836-7248