Symptoms Associated with Spondylolisthesis in the Neck
Although it's quite a rare occurrence, a patient may have spondylolisthesis in the neck, or cervical region of the spine, but never realize it because symptoms may never arise. If symptoms do develop because of spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slips forward past the one below it), the severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe based on the degree of vertebral slippage and whether nerve compression is present.
Common symptoms associated with cervical spondylolisthesis include:
- Neck pain
- Muscle spasms
- Reduced range of motion
- Stiffness
If spondylolisthesis in the neck results in spinal cord or nerve root compression, a number of additional symptoms could arise. Pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling may radiate from the point of compression in the neck, and through the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers.
Possible Treatments
A doctor may initially recommend conservative (nonsurgical) treatments for spondylolisthesis in the neck, which might include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), narcotic pain medications, hot/cold therapy, and low-impact exercise. Physical therapy is usually a large part of treating spondylolisthesis and a therapist will work to improve a patient's core muscle strength, which can help to better support a weakened spine. Flexibility exercises may also be recommended to help loosen tight muscles and increase a patient's range of motion.
Surgery
In the majority of cervical spondylolisthesis cases, neck pain can be alleviated through conservative treatments. If several weeks or months of conservative therapy fail to provide relief, a doctor might suggest surgical intervention. Surgery often entails fusion of the affected vertebrae with bone grafts, rods, and screws. This helps to restore spinal alignment and prevent further vertebral movement. If nerve compression is a factor, a laminectomy (removal of a vertebral lamina) may also be performed to alleviate pressure on an entrapped nerve.
Due to the highly invasive nature of most procedures, patients should take time to fully research and understand the risks and benefits of open spine surgery. actor, a laminectomy (removal of a vertebral lamina) may also be performed to alleviate pressure on an entrapped nerve.
|
