Re: Spondylolisthesis

Posted By CCF Neurology MD - AY on December 25, 1998 at 02:05:47:

In Reply to: Spondylolisthesis posted by Tea on December 22, 1998 at 20:37:22:






: I am a 19 yr old male, 6' tall, 170 lbs.  I have had occasional lower back pain since my early teens.  At age 16, my doctor advised me to give up taking karate lessons due to LBP that lasted for several weeks and was not responding to pain meds.  After several weeks away from karate, the pain did go away.  I have only had a few other bouts, usually following heavy lifting or strenuous activity.  Usually it got better with rest and tylenol or ibuprofen.  I now work on a condensor maintenance crew at a major power plant.  It is heavy work with lots of bending and lifting.  After 3 months working there I began to experience LBP again.  It has lasted for about 3 weeks, so I went to my MD.  He said that I have Spinal Spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 (grade 1).  He said that there is basically nothing that can be done.  He put me on Tylenol 3 and Orphen/Asa/Caff for one week and restricted activity.  He said that I will have to restrict my activity for the rest of my life.  I (and my parents) have been browsing for information on this.  Most of the case studies and info seem to be on patients in their 30s and 40s.  I will have to deal with this for a very long time to come.  Should we look into surgery/fusion?  Are there other options or outcomes to consider?  How will this affect my career choices?
: Another consideration is that I am only covered on my parents medical insurance for 2 more years.  Any information you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks for your time.



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Thanks for your question.  Spondylolisthesis is a relatively frequently
abnormality of the lumbo-sacral vertebral column where there is a horizontal slippage between two vertebral bodies.  It is more commonly seen
in elderly patients, but can occur in younger ages.  A grade I spondylo
usually does not require surgical intervention, unless it is causing
either spinal cord or nerve root compression.  I would agree, howeverm with
your physician that you should consider restricting physical activities
that put a heavy strain in your back.  If at any point you notice a sudden
worsening of your symptoms (pain, numbness, weakness in legs, etc.) it should be considered a medical emergency.
I hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck.
Information provided in this Neurology Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment for your particular illness should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s).
Hello, My name is Tea, and I have a question as well  about Spondylolisthesis, and Spondylosis. I recieved information today about my xrays, and I have been diagnosed with both these terms. I donot know what grade I am in but know I can barely move, and am in great pain, and as well feel like my legs are going to go out from under me. I am currently waiting on my insurance to give me the approval to obtain a MRI. to give my physcian a true  reading of facts into all of this, well as holidays etc. I am waiting in great pain and in wonder. I am a forty year old lady, but have suffered with my back ever since I hurt it at 12 years old, but never to this degree, I can barely walk without burning in my lower back, and my legs feeling like they are going to collapse. As well as the constant pain, and tingling in my left fingers, and my left toes. My question is what is your opionion of my condition, and what are the treatments I have to pondor over in making a good decision that is best for going on and doing what I want to? I have always been very active, mountain biking, walking, etc, but now all of that  I can't do for the moment.  I do thank you for your time and help in all of this. Thank you, Tea



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Thanks for your question.  The symptoms described in your message are
suggestive of a mild/moderate nerve root compression.  An imaging study
such as a MRI of lumbar spine would be helpful in the diagnosis.  Another
important test to consider is an EMG study, which would evaluate the function
of the nerves and muscles of your lower extremities.  If you are looking
for a second medical opinion, a neurologist specialized in peripheral
nervous system would be a good option; alternatively a neuro-surgeon or an
orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spine would also be a good option.
I hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.