Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below it. Physiotherapy can help manage symptoms and improve mobility through exercises that strengthen the core, improve posture, and reduce pressure on the spine.
Spondylolisthesis is an injury to the boney structures that keep the vertebra aligned in their stack. Spondylolisthesis can occur as a result of sudden or repetitive forces to a segment of the spine, compromising the bony structure. It can also occur as a result of a genetic or congenital defect. When the structure is damaged, the vertebrae affected can slip forward leading to increased strain on the ligaments and disc as they strain to resist the slippage. Left untreated, over time, there may be an increase in pain and disability as the boney structures and muscles exhaust their ability to prevent further slippage of the vertebrae. There are several terms for this condition with the important distinctions being whether the vertebra has slipped forward and the severity of the condition.
Spondylolisthesis can lead to the pinching of your nerves. People with this condition will often present with central low back pain and possibly include pain or numbness into the legs. The pain is likely to increase with standing or walking and may improve when hugging your knees or bending forward.
Your Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist will thoroughly assess your pain or injury and then use soft tissue and joint mobilization through hands-on treatment to improve your function and reduce your pain. An important part of your treatment will be to learn to correct your posture and control your core. You will learn positions that will relieve your pain and positions that should be avoided. A customized core strengthening program will be provided so that you can develop the muscles needed to better support your spine in a healthy alignment. Stretches may also be necessary to address any tension created in muscles around the spine.
Registered Massage Therapy can also be of benefit to help relieve pain and soft tissue tension around the spine, hips or legs.
As with all injuries, this information is simply a guide, and it is always best to check in with a Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist to have a personalized assessment and hear recommendations for what you and your body may specifically need.
Inertia Physio+ offers Kanata and Stittsville exceptional Physiotherapy, Athletic Therapy and Registered Massage Therapy with private treatment rooms, one on one care, a maximum of two patients per hour and treatment focused on the evidence based practices of manual and exercise therapy. Don’t suffer any longer. If you have pain or injury, our Kanata and Stittsville Physiotherapy, Athletic Therapy and Registered Massage Therapy team is here to help you get back to life pain free life and activities. Please reach out to us at (613) 672-2200 or info@inertiaphysio.ca for an appointment today! You are also welcome to book online. We also offer direct billing on Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy services whenever your plan allows.
