Conditions That Can Cause Spondylolisthesis in the Neck
Spondylolisthesis in the neck is the slippage of one cervical vertebra over another. Among adults, especially those 50 and older, the condition is less common in the cervical region than in the lumbar (lower back) region. Children and teens with developmental abnormalities or spine-related congenital conditions are just as likely to experience vertebral slippage in the neck region as in the lower back. No matter the age of the patient, surgery typically is considered the last resort for treatment of symptoms associated with spondylolisthesis
Age and Injury are the Prime Suspects
What causes spondylolisthesis in the neck? The following conditions and occurrences typically are to blame:
- Traumatic injury - this is the most common cause of cervical (neck) spondylolisthesis, often as a result of a violent collision.
- Degenerative disc disease - the intervertebral discs, which cushion the vertebrae, can become dehydrated and weak over time, robbing them of the height and flexibility necessary for them to function.
- Facet disease - the cartilage that lines the vertebral joints (facet joints) can become worn, a condition known as spinal osteoarthritis; reduced stability within the joints can cause the vertebral body to become displaced.
- Vertebral fracture - especially in teens, if the pars interarticularis (a small bone adjacent to the facet joints) doesn't develop correctly, cracks can form; this can decrease vertebral stability and increase the likelihood of slippage.
- Congenital condition - scoliosis or some other inherited trait might also lead to the development of vertebral slippage at a relatively young age.
How to Treat Spondylolisthesis in the Neck
Only about one in five cervical spondylolisthesis patients require surgery, with about 80 percent able to achieve substantial symptom relief through the use of pain medication, exercise, stretching, traction, neck bracing, and other conservative treatment methods. Many patients have turned to chiropractic adjustments, while others have found success with acupuncture. Typically, unless the condition threatens to produce permanent nerve damage, surgery only becomes an option after all conservative treatment methods have been exhausted over a period of several weeks or months.
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