Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
When back and neck pain occur it can be a huge detriment for an individual’s comfort and overall quality of life. From waking up with constant pain, to the inability to fall asleep from tossing and turning as it can be impossible to find a comfortable position. As the top neck pain specialist Upper East Side has in practice, Dr. Vikas Varma and his team at Upper East Side Orthopedic have treated patients for a variety of different conditions affecting such issues – one of the most common being Degenerative Spondylolisthesis. It might be a mouthful to say, but it is surely one of the most common spinal conditions affecting Americans regardless of age across the country. Learn more about this condition below.
What is Degenerative Spondylolisthesis?
A relatively common condition, Spondylolisthesisis a condition where one vertebra has slipped forward over another one below it. According to Dr. Varma, the top neck pain specialist Upper East Side has in practice, this occurs due to a variety of different reasons and the development of other, more common spinal conditions, as they progressively worsen. The most common causes include:
· Degenerative Disc Disease
· Stress Fractures
· Congenital Issues
· Spine Trauma
· Spinal Tumors
The last cause, spinal tumors is quite rare, however the rest of these causes are fairly common – when they are left untreated or not treated properly, they can often lead to spinal instability cases and of course, Degenerative Spondylolisthesis. However, the most common reason for these issues to occur is simply through aging, and the overall wear and tear of the spinal cord and the bones and discs which surround it. According to the top spine surgeon Upper East Side has to offer, Dr. Varma, as we age, the bones, joints, and ligaments in the spine grow weakened and become less able to maintain the alignment of the spinal column. This type of spondylolisthesis most commonly occurs at the L4-L5 levels of the lumbar spine, but it can also occur at other levels. While this mainly affects the lower back, pain and discomfort can radiate up to the arms, legs and even the neck.
Considering that age is one of the biggest factors with this and any other degenerative conditions of the spine, this issue is more common in people over age 50, and in particular, among individuals over age 65. Women are two-to-three times as likely as men to be diagnosed. Spondylolisthesis can cause impingement of the nerves and/or fatigue of the back muscles, and may result in lower back and/or leg pain. According to Dr. Varma the top neck pain specialist Upper East Side patients trust, some of the most common symptoms include:
· Pain in the lower legs, back, and some mild pain in the arms, neck and shoulders.
· Sciatica as well as radiating hip, buttock, tingling, numbness and overall discomfort.
· Poor walking ability and mobility.
· Weakness in the lower extremities.
· Poor posture
Once you identify having any of the symptoms above, it is important that you seek out treatment as soon as possible. As the top spine surgeon Upper East Side patients trust, once Dr. Varma is able to identify any of the symptoms above he will be able to better treat you. Treatment options can include rest, corticosteroids, physical therapy and in severe instances surgery. For more information on spine issues, be sure to contact DR. VARMA today.
