Common Causes of Spondylolisthesis and What They Mean for Your Body

When faced with a condition like spondylolisthesis, many people are fixated on coping with the diagnosis directly. This means working with laser focus to repair their bodies and overcome the slippage of their spine. What’s not always given due attention, however, are the factors that led to the spondylolisthesis in the first place and what further impact they could have on the body if left unmitigated.

At Ideal Spine, our focus is on not only the slippage of the spine leading to spondylolisthesis, but the physiological contributors that enabled the weakening of facet joints in the first place. We strive to make patients aware of stressors caused by posture, lifestyle, genetics, or peripheral conditions, so that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent future spinal shift and spondylolisthesis.

Contributors to spondylolisthesis

Because spondylolisthesis occurs when facet joints develop defects, tracing the source of these defects yields insight into the catalysts for the overall condition. It’s here where patient focus needs to be shifted. The defined types of spondylolisthesis-enabling slippage include:

• Dysplastic spondylolisthesis, occurring congenitally.
• Isthmic spondylolisthesis, caused by stress fractures.
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis, caused by degenerative diseases.
• Traumatic spondylolisthesis, caused by acute fractures.
• Pathologic spondylolisthesis, caused by bone diseases.

Understanding the cause of spondylolisthesis means understanding the original battle of the body is facing. Recognizing an acute case versus a chronic one or the development of a bone disease versus a degenerative condition means understanding how else the body may be compromised and what can be done to support it.

Expanding the diagnosis profile

Determining the core contributor to facet joint defects and the ensuing spondylolisthesis can give chiropractors the information they need to help patients live comfortably and mitigate future issues. For example, if Isthmic spondylolisthesis is determined to be the diagnosis, a chiropractor can help patients understand how else they may be prone to stress-induced spinal issues, such as disc compression. Likewise, determining Pathologic spondylolisthesis can spur individuals to prepare for future ramifications of a condition like osteoporosis.

Exploring proper treatment

Better qualification of spondylolisthesis also affords patients the opportunity for more individualized treatment through a Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) adjustment schedule. For instance, addressing Degenerative spondylolisthesis may require a vastly different approach from traumatic spondylolisthesis, allowing a chiropractor to recommend treatment geared towards alleviating the condition and promoting long-term wellness.

Total body consideration

Though patients may be focused on moving past a spondylolisthesis diagnosis, having it qualified can shed light on other areas of wellness that demand attention—specifically contributing factors to the condition. By understanding why their spine has slipped and what cause failure in their facet joints, patients can expand their focus on wellness to incorporate the contributing factors behind it.

Using a CBP treatment plan, it may be possible to not only mitigate and reverse spondylolisthesis, but also lower the rate of defect to facet joints. For patients prone to peripheral conditions or future issues stemming from specific spondylolisthesis contributors, this may mean the difference between long-term wellness and consistent, chronic pain. At Ideal Spine, we preach a holistic look at conditions like spondylolisthesis, as a way of putting total spine health in perspective.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.