Introduction to Spondylolisthesis

Spinal misalignments can occur for several reasons. Some do not always cause pain, but still have alarming implications for the body. We offer comprehensive treatments at Cleary Family Chiropractic, with each scientifically vetted as non-addictive and minimally invasive. Among the disorders we’ll check each patient for is spondylolisthesis, the slippage of one vertebra over another.


The vertebrae are connected by facet joints. Slippage in a vertebra could be due to a small fracture in one of the joints, which is the most frequent cause of back pain in teenagers. Usually, it is one of the upper lumbar vertebrae that slips. Spondylolisthesis can also occur due to degenerative disc disease. As the discs separating the vertebral bodies dry out or become rigid, their shrinkage makes them less effective at keeping the adjoining bones in place. Older women are more at risk for the degenerative form of spondylolisthesis.


Although spondylolisthesis can occur without the patient being aware of it, slippage in a lumbar vertebra may cause pain in the pelvic region and the thighs. The pain will be worse when the patient is walking. They may also suffer from a compressed nerve. Besides using the Chiropractic Biophysics/ Clinical Biomechanics of Posture technique to stabilize the back, we will also work to loosen up the thigh and lower back muscles. Strengthening the back and core muscles will better support the vertebrae once they are back in place and healed, making relapses less likely.


Dr. Matthew Cleary runs Cleary Family Chiropractic at 246 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock, Georgia, 30188. To schedule an appointment, call 678-494-9668 or visit Chiropractor Woodstock.


 

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