Spondylolisthesis is a fissure and a displacement of the lumbar vertebra relative to the vertebra below it. (mainly lower lumbar). It can develop for several reasons and can vary in intensity.

The main parts fall into two groups – Traumatic or Degenerative.

Whatever the underlying cause, the result is that the vertebrae essentially slip either forward on the bottom (Anterolisthesis) or vice versa (Retrolisthesis).

This can be clearly felt when you run your fingers along the person’s spine in some cases.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Usually, due to aging, degenerative Spondylolisthesis occurs when the supporting system of the spine (bones, joints, and tendons) becomes damaged and can no longer support posture.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis is most typical at age five years and older and usually occurs in the L4/5 region. They are mechanically weaker due to the limiting angle of the lumbar lordosis.

This is usually additionally referred to as a “stress crack,” with an increase in occurrence after 40 years and five times more often in women than in men.

Spondylolisthesis Trigger Point Therapy

Traumatic Spondylolisthesis

Traumatic Spondylolisthesis usually happens in the lower part of the spine, most commonly the 5th lumbar vertebra (82%), but sometimes the 4th lumbar vertebra.

A typical case is when a child or teenager falls hard on the coccygeal region, and the cartilaginous part of the same levels is split. This type of fracture usually occurs between the ages of 5 and 7. However, symptoms may not usually be felt until adulthood.

Usually, Traumatic Spondylolisthesis is graded I or II, adapts well, and is gradually compensated by the body.

However, it is not uncommon to see boys (mostly) aged 14–15 suffering from severe neck and back pain caused by Spondylolisthesis.

Common Symptoms

Patients usually have problems with back pain with occasional pain in the legs. Spondylolisthesis can usually cause muscle spasms or tension in the hamstrings.

Symptoms will depend on several factors, including age, history of the disease, and degree of Spondylolisthesis.

We classify Spondylolisthesis from I to IV according to the percentage of slippage. When the bone slips, it can also be pulled towards the intervertebral disc, which can be a source of pain.

Keep in mind that many spondylolistheses occur at the L5/S1 degree.

Anatomically, most spinal nerves exit to the reduced limbs at L3/4 (the cauda equina begins at L2/3), so any damage or symptoms to the nerve will undoubtedly be much less significant than if slippage were higher.

Can be misinterpreted for Sciatica or Pseudo sciatica

Spondylolisthesis can affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (reciprocal) and is commonly associated with sciatic nerve pain or pseudo sciatica.

It can also cause cauda equina syndrome (CES) in severe cases. CES may be serious and may manifest as loss of bladder or bowel control/regulation, in which case you need to convince the patient to seek immediate medical attention.

Typical Symptoms (might consist of):

  • Difficulty standing directly.
  • Back or butt pain.
  • Pain that runs from the lower back to one or both legs (sciatica).
  • Numbness or weakness in one or both legs.
  • Difficulty walking.
  • Leg, back, or butt pain worsens on flexing over or twisting.
  • Loss of bladder or digestive tract control, in rare cases.
  • Pain arising from a chair.
  • Morning pain and also rigidity.
  • Back pain becomes worse as the day goes on.
  • Pain is typically prompted by activity, particularly back extension tasks.
  • Poor tolerance of activities requiring excessive backloading, consisting of running and leaping.
  • Sitting generally is far better endured.
  • A large portion of clients with spondylolysis are asymptomatic.

So what are the symptoms informing us?

Pain signals that something is wrong. It is a component of our “defense mechanism.”

In Spondylolisthesis, the most common symptom is back pain, mainly due to the overload of the erectors of the spine and the mass of the multifidus muscles.

Muscle mass must perform two tasks simultaneously: regular work to maintain position (multifidus muscle) and straightening a bent back (straightening back) PLUS the task of stabilizing around the fracture site.

This causes muscle fatigue and mild, persistent pain, which is also one of the reasons lower neck and back pain often gets worse during the day.

Muscle Fatigue.

As muscle tissue is depleted, pressure on the spine and/or its neurovascular structures can increase and cause more leg pain and/or hamstring strain.

Clients often have slight forward bending (flexion) (Phalen-Dixon reading).

This posture causes pain in the buttocks, like the gluteus maximus, medius, and hamstring muscles are also involved in protecting and stabilizing the lower back and thighs with their myofascial attachments.

Should I do massage with Spondylolisthesis?

Several physical rehabilitation methods are indicated to treat this problem. Spondylolisthesis and massage therapy can alleviate some of the pain and pain in the area affected by Spondylolisthesis and facilitate the treatment plan.

A combination of Spondylolisthesis and lymphatic drainage massage therapy is an example of physical therapy in treating injury or disease. Physical therapy, also called physiology, uses many different methods to help soothe muscle problems and other techniques such as ultrasound, heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and massage.

Physiotherapy also aims to strengthen muscles to increase the safety of tissues that have been compromised. Many medical professionals associate spondylolisthesis and massage therapy with each other, as massage therapy can be beneficial in repairing damaged muscles and other spinal cells as a result of Spondylolisthesis.

What is massage therapy everything about?

Many chiropractic practitioners have found that working with massage therapists can help relax muscle tissue before treatment. The connection works well because it allows the client to be treated after becoming more relaxed and after the natural endorphins are released. There are several other benefits, but they depend on the type of massage being performed. Massage therapy has proven effective in treating various injuries if the best kind of in-home massage therapy is offered.

For example, Swedish massage is a superficial and relaxing type of massage that is much less likely to damage scar tissue. In contrast, a Deep Tissue massage can complete this by activating the release of indefinite musculature. However, when it comes to Spondylolisthesis and massage therapy, it is essential to understand that massage therapy increases blood flow and releases lactic acid. This natural chemical toxic irritant acts as a by-product of muscle use. These points can make the place more irritable and more tender before it becomes more comfortable.

Baseline.

If you keep checking in, you may also find that therapeutic massage can solve more than your spondylolisthesis problems. It is often used to treat insomnia, muscle pain, posture problems, or relieve anxiety. The most effective part of a therapeutic massage is that it is a great way to avoid adding drugs, which helps your stomach and liver recover faster after surgery.

Combine therapeutic massage sessions with meticulous supportive exercises and ongoing medical supervision. You will be able to control your spondylolisthesis problems without the need for surgical treatment. You’ll also enjoy a healthier lifestyle, deeper and more restful sleep, less pain in daily activities, and possibly more energy from your general aggravated problem.