Spondylolisthesis: Definition, Types, Tips, Prevention

Spondylolisthesis Tips

Spondylolisthesis Tips: Things You Should Know

What is spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is defined as the displacement or slippage of one of your vertebra compared to another or all others. It is a condition that occurs when your vertebra (the bone in your back) slides forward and over the bone below it.

Spondylolisthesis is derived from two words: "spondylo" meaning spine, and "listhesis" meaning slippage, so essentially the definition of Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of the spine. Although the literal Spondylolisthesis definition is the slippage of the spine, medical dictionaries use the Spondylolisthesis definition of forwarding slippage of one of your vertebra.

What are the 2 types of spondylolisthesis?

There are two types of Spondylolisthesis, classified by the way they are acquired or the way they are caused. These two types are:

Developmental Spondylolisthesis – Developmental Spondylolisthesis, the first type is one that is present at birth or one that may be acquired during childhood. This type of spondylolisthesis is not easily noticeable until later in childhood or once the person has reached adulthood.
Acquired Spondylolisthesis – As the name suggests this type of Spondylolisthesis is acquired past childhood and can be acquired in two ways:

Constant everyday wear and tear on your spine – The connections in your vertebrae may weaken due to the everyday activities that you do, including carrying heavy things and doing a strenuous physical activity that puts stress on your spine may lead to spinal degeneration and Spondylolisthesis.
Trauma or Injury to the spine – Acquired Spondylolisthesis can also be caused by forced trauma or injury to the spine. For example, the force applied to your spine when falling on your

Spondylolisthesis Tips

Spondylolisthesis tip: Rest as much as you can. Lie on a firm surface. Resting on your back will usually be the most comfortable. Avoid stressful activities and those that increase your pain. Activities most likely to increase the pain of spondylolisthesis are lifting, bending, and prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Spondylolisthesis tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Your shoes are very important. Most importantly, avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. They do not support correct posture and can increase the pain of spondylolisthesis.
Spondylolisthesis tip: Use cold packs or an ice pack. Ice or cold packs can help reduce inflammation. Never place an ice pack directly on your skin. Wrap it in a soft towel and place the towel next to the painful area. Leave the ice pack on for a maximum of 20 minutes and you can do this several times a day. If you don't have an ice pack, use a bag of frozen peas or place crushed ice cubes in a water-proof sandwich bag that seals with a zipper closure.
Spondylolisthesis tip: Use heat. Warmth increases blood flow and circulation to the tissues to help them heal. Oxygen-rich blood flows to the injured area to increase healing and toxins are taken away in the bloodstream. If you use a heating pad, use it on only low heat settings to avoid burns. Heat can also relax tense muscles.

Spondylolisthesis tip: Some people obtain relief from alternating between applications of heat and cold. Experiment and find what works best for you.
Spondylolisthesis tip: In the earliest stages of spondylolisthesis, a hyperextension brace is sometimes worn to help limit movement which reduces inflammation and pain. Ask your doctor if this is recommended and what kind you should get.
Spondylolisthesis tip: Strengthening your abdominal and back muscles, (your core), and increasing the range of movement through the backs of the thighs (hamstrings) and low back (lumbar spine) by stretching can help to relieve pain and muscle tension. Increased muscle strength can also help prevent further slipping of the vertebrae.
Spondylolisthesis tip: Some people find acupressure or acupuncture to be effective treatments for back pain. Consult with your doctor if acupressure and acupuncture are appropriate for you.
Spondylolisthesis tip: There are some specific gently manual adjustments that can be performed to relieve the symptoms of spondylolisthesis. It's important to find a skilled and experienced chiropractic practitioner who is knowledgeable of spondylolisthesis if you choose this method of treatment.

Tips to Prevent Spondylolisthesis

Just like with anything else, there are a lot of things you can do to prevent spondylolisthesis, as well as keep your spine healthy. Follow the tips suggested below and prevent spondylolisthesis.

Practice proper posture
Stand and sit properly
If you go to the gym, learn how to lift correctly
Maintain an active lifestyle
Exercise regularly
Avoid carrying heavy objects
Avoid excessive bending and twisting
Quit smoking
Stop excessive drinking of alcohol
Get plenty of sleep and rest
Maintain a healthy weight
Follow your doctor's instructions

If spondylolisthesis is left untreated, the condition can worsen and cause a permanent spinal deformation. The spinal canal will narrow down if spondylolisthesis is not treated early. It would be best to take note of the symptoms and consult your doctor as soon as possible.

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Questions & Answers

What is the best way to treat permanent back and neck pain and stiffness?

Age2B

Here are some tips:

Neck Pain Tips: Sleep with a cervical pillow

Orthopedic or cervical pillows are made with special contours to support the space beneath the neck and head. They are also more concave for the head and provide more support to the neck.

Neck Pain Tips: Sleep on your back

The best position to lie to sleep is on your back. If you sleep on your stomach or on your side, make sure your pillow is not too thick. It should raise your head no more than 4 to 6 inches. This will keep your neck and head from turning to either side.

Neck Pain Tips: Position your computer screen at eye level

While you are working at a computer, sit comfortably in your chair with your computer in front of you. Close your eyes and then open them. When you open your eyes, you should see the middle of the computer screen. If your gaze is not in the middle of the screen, adjust the height of the screen using items like books.

To keep your head from gradually drifting forward, take frequent breaks to stretch. Getting up to walk around at least once every half-hour is one of the best neck pain tips.

Neck Pain Tips: Use a telephone headset

Never hold a phone between your shoulder and your ear. Use a headset or other hands-free system to talk on the phone and avoid abusing your neck and spine.

Neck Pain Tips: Exercise your neck muscles

One of the best neck pain tips is using the chin tuck. You can do this often throughout the day. In addition to helping strengthen the muscles that hold the head in alignment over the shoulders, it also helps strengthen the scalene and sub-occipital muscles.

Age2B

4 answers

What is the best treatment for neck pain and shoulder Pain?

Age2B

One of the best treatment for neck pain and shoulder pain is exercises:

Neck Pain Exercises: Neck Extension

To begin this neck pain exercise, sit up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
Looking straight ahead, tuck your chin slightly (starting position)
Place the palm of your hand on the back of your neck, at the base of your head
Apply slight forward pressure with your hand, while resisting the forward motion of your neck and head
Hold for a count of 5 and return to the starting position and relax
Repeat the neck pain exercises 5-10 times

Neck pain exercises: Side bend

Sit up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
Looking straight ahead, tuck your chin slightly (starting position)
Place your left hand, palm down, on the left side of your head (around your ear)
Slightly push your head to the right side with your hand, while resisting the sideways motion of your neck and head
Hold for a count of 5 and return to the starting position and relax.
Repeat 5-10 times
Repeat the neck pain exercises with the other side.

Neck pain exercises: Neck flexion

Sit up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
Looking straight ahead, tuck your chin slightly (starting position)
Place the tips of your fingers on your forehead
Slightly push your head backward with your fingers, while resisting the backward motion of your neck and head
Hold for a count of 5 and return to the starting position and relax.
Repeat the neck pain exercises 5-10 times

More exercises here: Neck Pain Exercises

Age2B

4 answers

How do I reduce the shoulder and neck pain?

Age2B

Here are some tips:

Neck Pain Tips: Sleep with a cervical pillow

Orthopedic or cervical pillows are made with special contours to support the space beneath the neck and head. They are also more concave for the head and provide more support to the neck.

Neck Pain Tips: Sleep on your back

Neck Pain Tips: Position your computer screen at eye level

To keep your head from gradually drifting forward, take frequent breaks to stretch. Getting up to walk around at least once every half-hour is one of the best neck pain tips.

Neck Pain Tips: Carry weight evenly

Many people make the mistake of carrying a heavy briefcase or their purse on their shoulder or on one side of their body. Doing this causes strain in the muscles and leads to pain.

Remove non-essentials from your briefcase or purse. Consider using a backpack to evenly distribute the weight across your shoulders. If you choose to carry a purse or backpack, keep your shoulders level while carrying it.

Neck Pain Tips: Maintain a proper posture

The most common posture contributing to neck pain is the “head-and-shoulders-forward” posture. In this position, the neck slopes forward, putting the head in front of the shoulders.

In this position, the head pulls the upper back forward also in a slumped position. This places a strain on the entire spinal column.

More tips here: Neck Pain Tips: Sleeping, Posture, Exercising, Hydration & Prevention

Age2B

4 answers