Spondylolisthesis sufferer

Hey Tasha,

I didn't have that but would recommend getting a second opinion before you get surgery. Some specialists are great but some just want to cut you open without even thinking of alternatives! 

I use to have severe back pain and then tried a method called egoscue via a friend and it changed my life and got rid of the pain.

You can get the book online or see if there's an egoscue therapist where you live.

Hope you get better.

​

Tom

Most people with spondylolisthesis can be treated conservatively, without the need for surgery. Patients who fail to improve with conservative treatment may be a candidate for surgery. There is also a chance of nerve injury with such surgery. However, the results can be very successful.

Firstly as tom said, I will also recommend a second opinion. You also try the conservative treatment such as physical therapy that can help increase range of motion as well as strengthen the core abdominal muscles. Anti-inflammatory medications and epidural steroid (cortisone) injection, and can help reduce pain. Back brace helps to limit spine movement. Most of the time exercises and changes in activity are helpful for most people with mild spondylolisthesis.

hi tasha ive had the same problem as yourself and had several differant typs of injections the only drawback i came across is some of the injections worked and some did not ican only advise you to speak to your consultant as the injections are a 50/50 some people they work for and otyers they dont most people ive met said teres worked  but if you give it a try and it dosnt work you will not have lost anything hope this helps and i hope the injections work for you. graham

Hi. I'm not sure if its relative to you, but I posted a discussion recently about my back pain and have been looking through other postings. `What's really interesting is that their seem to be quite a few postings that say that the pain has been going on for six or seven years. In my case I diagnosed Mycotic (fungal) arthiritis which is caused by a fungal infection in the joints and bones.  I have wandered how I got the infection in the first place and with the prevalance of cases with a similar time line, then maybe the infection was originally caused by something like a batch of infected holiday vaccination serum or tetnus or similar.  I'm very curious about the hows and whys. maybe you could help.

Hi Tasha, I have had spondylolisthesis for 20 years plus.  When I was first diagnosed I was told I must have had it for some time as I had grown a spur to support the slip.  Scary.  I was refused the op because of obesity and referred for the injection.  I went to see the doc at the Royal Free Hospital who asked me to do a few simle movements and dismissed me.  I have managed the condition with painkillers, now on Gabapentin which is brilliant as it is for nerve pain, which I have down my left leg an into my foot, and paracetamol.  I can't take anti-inflamatories.  The other thing which has got me through has been Osteopathy which has been brilliant.  I am lucky enough to live within striking distance of the British School of Osteopathy where I can get treatment very cheaply (I lost my job as a result of my back condition).  Following a recent very bad episode I was referred to the neurosurgeons and had the steroid injection in July.  It was like being reborn.  Unfortunately the effect wore off after a month and I have now had a further scan and xrays and am waiting to the consultant to decide if we can do the injection again.  I am slightly concerned as his registrar seemed to think it was too soon to do it again.  Does anyone have any comments please.

Thanks

Dianne

Hi Tasha,

I have had Spondylothesis for over 18 years, I have been on pain management for the period, and its Grade 1 but I have recently got some further complications. My Pain Managment doctor is now awaiting the prognosis and whether surgery will help and when. The pain management doctor can then start to give me injections while I wait.

Yes other therapy's will help and pain management teaches you to find things to concentrate on other than the pain but it doesn't fix the problem. If you can manage the pain then surgery is not that answer and you should try to carry on. I have managed my pain for 18 years, and I am 38 and have 3 kids. Ok I am now in some really unmanageable pain but for 18 years I managed to live a more or less normal life where i just listened to my body. Also look at your quality of life too.

Patients who fail to improve with conservative treatment may be a candidate for surgery. And I find out my options next month.

What ever happens remember you have the final decision, if you can cope with the pain and the Spondylthesis is not slipped more than 50% then work with conservative ways.

I've dealt with this Spondy since my 30's and I'm 76...no surgery no injections of the spine for me.    I do work for my back in the form of any stretching exercises and take a good amount of supps for joint support for the whole body.    

I know Egoscue and some swear by this program.  

I  have a lot of back issues and just keep plugging thru and manage....not heavy duty pain meds but otc stuff.   and a lot of supplements....

Hi Tasha1974 , I hope you are doing ok now .

I have a grade 2 spondylolisthesis at L4 plus two  severely degenerated Disks,

I have had it for almost 30 years , yes , I got really bad back pains , but since 2010 I have been suffering at first from numbness and tingling in my right leg which has now become an unbearable gnawing pain if I stand for more than 30 minutes or walk more than half a mile, I have been on DHC Continus for the past 3 years , it helps a little. A few months ago the pain started in my left leg So I had another MRI and it showed severe compression of the right hand side L3 nerve root , and compression of the left hand side L4 nerve. I am awaiting my Spinal Consultant appointment - 10 weeks away yet  I just hope they can ease it , whether by injection or surgery , I am 55 , it's gone on long enough now.

I will keep you posted !  fingers crossed !!