If left untreated, spondylolisthesis can lead to an array of related spine complications and may begin to significantly impact your health and well-being. By proactively addressing spondylolisthesis, you can take control of your condition and lessen or even eliminate inhibiting symptoms. From diagnosis to recovery, Dr. T is committed to helping you achieve a pain-free life, so that you can return to the activities you love faster.

The first step toward finding relief from spondylolisthesis is to schedule a consultation at one of our conveniently located spine clinics. During this initial visit, Dr. T will attentively evaluate your medical history, physical state and symptoms. To diagnose spondylolisthesis and determine its severity, a C.T. scan, MRI or X-ray may be required. This also helps us to rule out other, similar conditions.

Whenever possible, we encourage patients to consider conservative, non-invasive treatments before looking into surgical intervention. Spondylolisthesis can be responsive to non-surgical treatments, such as:

• Physical Therapy: When combatting spondylolisthesis, the primary goals of physical therapy are to strengthen the core muscles which support the spine. In addition, physical therapy may help patients improve their flexibility and lose excess pounds. Being overweight or obese can worsen spondylolisthesis by placing immense pressure on the spine and leading to additional difficulties within the back region.
• Medication: Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications can reduce the amount of discomfort caused by spondylolisthesis.
• Additional Modifications: For some patients, assistive devices, heating and cooling therapies, a limited period of rest or other alternative treatments may be recommended. Every component of care depends upon the patient’s unique case of spondylolisthesis, as well as their goals and lifestyle.

In cases where spondylolisthesis is causing the vertebrae to continually move or in situations where the spine requires stabilization, surgical intervention may be necessary right away.

Some patients may need only Microspine endoscopic decompression utilizing extremely small incisions and tiny cameras without fusion whereas others may need Minimally invasive spine fusion (MIS-TLIF) which Dr.T can customized and tailored each approach for each of his patients as there is no “one size fits all” in medicine.

The Microspine & minimally invasive surgeries available that we offer generally lead to:

• Shortened recovery times that enable patients to return to their daily routines and lives more quickly
• Less post-operative pain than what is statistically linked to traditional open surgeries
• A minimal risk of scarring or trauma to surrounding tissues

Significantly reduced blood loss than what is typically experienced in open back surgery 

We look forward to helping you feel better, faster!  CONTACT US