Do You Have Back Pain? You Might Have Spondylolisthesis

Many people have Spondylolisthesis and do not even know they have it! Sometimes this medical condition can be present in the spine and the person does not have any symptoms or pain. The only way to diagnose Spondylolisthesis is by x-ray, CT or MRI scans. Spondylolisthesis is the medical terminology used when one vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below it. This condition of the vertebra can be mild or severe. When the symptoms do begin, the pain is usually in the lower back region. It can often feel like a muscle strain. Other people sometimes experience muscle spasms that involve the hamstring muscles in the thighs. If the vertebra is pressing against a nerve, the lower back pain can also radiate down the legs and even involve the feet. It can also cause the tingling and numbness often associated with nerve problems.

I have been living with Spondylolisthesis for more than twenty-five years. I am fortunate that my legs are not affected by my slipped vertebra, although the pain does radiate into my hips and buttocks occasionally. There are strengthening and stretching exercises which help me to manage my pain. For myself, what not to do is just as important. For instance, I love to garden and work in the yard and I know I will pay the consequences for a couple of days. Any strenuous bending and stooping will aggravate my symptoms and worsen the pain. Lifting must be done by bending the knees and not the back. This is the correct way anyone should lift heavy items anyway. I also cannot sleep on my stomach or my back. I must sleep on my side with a pillow placed between my knees and thighs. This really lessens the strain on the vertebra, resulting in less pain and spasms in the lowest part of my back.