Contrasting Congenital, Developmental and Acquired Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs when a spinal disc slips over the one directly below it. There are several types of spondylolisthesis, which can all cause pain, a reduced range of motion and other health concerns. Spondylolisthesis affects patients of all ages, and occasionally leads to other health complications.

There are three main types of spondylolisthesis, that each refer to the cause of the condition. They are as follows:

• Congenital: This means that the slipped disc was present at birth. Congenital spondylolisthesis is usually identified early in a patient’s life, and can be managed with proper chiropractic care.
• Developmental: This type of spondylolisthesis occurs during the child’s development. Unlike congenital spondylolisthesis, it’s usually not identified until later on in the patient’s life.
• Acquired: This is the result of trauma suffered by the spine, caused by overexertion, injury and/or degeneration. Acquired spondylolisthesis usually occurs later in life.

Treating Spondylolisthesis

While the treatment of spondylolisthesis ultimately varies based on the patient, the severity of the condition and a range of other factors, there are some hard-and-fast treatments that chiropractors and other healthcare providers can use to treat spondylolisthesis patients, including the following:

• Hot and cold therapy: Applying both heat and ice to areas of localized symptoms can help alleviate some of the pain and swelling associated with the condition. It’s advised to apply ice after engaging in an activity that causes a flare-up of symptoms, and heat while the patient is resting. Heat promotes blood flow and healing.
• Manual manipulation: Manual manipulation at the hands of a skilled chiropractor is one of the most surefire ways to address spondylolisthesis. Chiropractors use their extensive knowledge of the spine and nervous system to both maneuver the spinal discs and alleviate pain, swelling and other symptoms associated with the condition.
• Physical therapy: Encouraging patients to engage in physical therapy can help them regain their range of motion and promote healing after a period of time. Physical therapy is a non-invasive way to not only treat spondylolisthesis, but promote general health. It’s a slow, certain way to improve overall bodily function.
• Steroid injections: In cases of extreme pain and swelling, steroid injections may be necessary for spondylolisthesis patients. These injections can immediately relieve swelling and pain, and allow the patient to pursue other treatment options. Steroid injections should always be seen as a last resort.
• Surgery: In extreme cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. There are often complications associated with spinal surgery, so it’s only recommended after all natural, non-invasive treatment methods are exhausted. Spinal fusion is often the surgery prescribed for patients with extreme levels of spondylolisthesis-induced pain. The surgery is invasive and has a high recovery time.

Identifying and treating spondylolisthesis comes down to a thorough, investigative approach to working with patients. Chiropractic BioPhysics provides chiropractors with a range of techniques and tools they can use to qualify and treat this condition.

If you’re looking for ways to implement the latest and greatest technologies and processes at your holistic healthcare practice, visit the next Chiropractic BioPhysics seminar near you.

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.