Spondylolisthesis in the neck, or cervical region of the spine, is a rather rare occurrence, as the condition most frequently affects the lower back, or lumbar spine. Spondylolisthesis arises when one vertebra is displaced in relation to the surrounding vertebra, and is often the result of congenital defects in the spine, stress fractures caused by repetitive hyperextension (or backward bending), and degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis.

Conservative Treatment Options

If you have been diagnosed with cervical spondylolisthesis, your doctor will likely start you on a conservative (non-surgical) treatment plan. Suggested treatments might include:

– Rest – While too little activity can cause muscles to atrophy, resting your neck and avoiding vigorous physical activity is particularly important during the acute phase of symptoms.

– Neck bracing – A cervical brace or collar can help to keep the vertebrae of the neck aligned, as well as provide the head with additional support.

– Physical therapy – A physical therapist will help you practice certain rehabilitative exercises that can strengthen the muscles of the neck and upper back.

– Thermotherapy and/or cryotherapy – Thermotherapy, or the use of heat (such as heating pads or a hot bath) as a method of treatment, may help to increase your blood circulation, thereby providing consistent nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to the area of spondylolisthesis in your neck. The application of cold (cryotherapy) via a cold compress or an ice pack works to reduce inflammation and swelling in the neck, while also numbing pain.

– Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – NSAIDs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, interact with and block the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that cause an inflammatory reaction when an area of the body is in distress. By reducing inflammation around nerves, NSAIDs can also help reduce pain.

– Opioid medications – Opioid, or narcotic, medications may be prescribed for cases of moderate to severe spondylolisthesis symptoms. Your doctor may recommend oral dosages of oxycodone, codeine, or morphine to help relieve pain.

– Epidural corticosteroid injections – To treat excessive inflammation, epidural corticosteroid injections may be suggested. This treatment method involves the injection of steroidal (anti-inflammatory) medication near the area of a suspected pinched nerve root in an effort to calm the irritated tissue. An injection into the epidural space of the spinal canal may help to further disperse anti-inflammatory medication throughout the entire nervous system.

– Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend TENS sessions to treat spondylolisthesis in your neck. A TENS unit has electrodes, which are attached near the affected area and emit a low-voltage electrical current to stimulate the irritated nerves. This is believed to increase the production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever.

If Conservative Therapies Fail to Provide Relief

Your doctor may suggest that you undergo a surgical procedure to treat spondylolisthesis in your neck only if all forms of conservative treatments have first been exhausted. Surgery for cervical vertebral slippage may involve fusion, which realigns and fuses two adjacent vertebrae together with bone grafts and hardware. This highly invasive procedure is intended to permanently limit the mobility in your neck, so it is important that you fully understand each of the risks and benefits that are associated with spinal fusion in the neck before consenting to surgery.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of spondylolisthesis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spondylolisthesis