Spondylolisthesis Treatment Orange County

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are common sports injuries in Orange County, Los Angeles County and Inland Empire that usually happen due to trauma or excess stress to the lower back. Coast Spine and Sports Medicine offers comprehensive treatment options to address the pain of a slipped vertebra and prevent the condition from worsening.

What Are Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are related and common conditions that can cause lower back pain in athletes. Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in a spinal vertebra that can happen due to repeated stress on the lower back during sports. Sometimes this fracture weakens the vertebra to such a degree that it cannot maintain its position in the spine and slips out of place. This condition is called spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis can occur in almost any area of the spine and it may be caused by other factors aside from sports injuries.

How Much Does Spondylolisthesis Treatment Cost in Orange County?

Spondylolisthesis Treatment Los AngelesThe cost of your treatment will depend on many factors, such as the location of the slippage, the severity of your condition, and how well it responds to conservative measures. Coast Spine and Sports Medicine always begins with the least invasive and most effective solutions first before progressing to surgery. We accept many types of health insurance and financing through CareCredit® to make your treatment as affordable as possible.

What Is Isthmic Spondylolisthesis?

Isthmic spondylolisthesis is a form of slipped vertebra that’s caused by a fracture or defect in the pars interarticularis, a very thin, small part of the vertebra that connects the facet joints. This is the weakest part of the vertebra and especially vulnerable to injuries from repetitive stress. Isthmic spondylolisthesis usually occurs at L5-S1, or the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral segment.

What Is Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis typically occurs in the lumbar spine or lower back, usually at L5-S1 but it can occur at L4-L5 and sometimes higher. Lumbar spondylolisthesis may be the result of:

  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis
  • Traumatic event such as a sports injury
  • Stress fracture of the pars interarticularis
  • Orthopedic conditions such as osteoporosis or a spinal tumor

What Is Degenerative Spondylolisthesis?

Degenerative spondylolisthesis refers to slippage of a vertebra due to a degenerative condition such as degenerative disc disease, facet joint deterioration, or arthritis . This type of slippage is typically progressive, which means it worsens over time.

What Spondylolisthesis Treatment Options Are Available in Orange County?

There are many potential treatment avenues for spondylolisthesis depending on the location and cause of the injury. Most cases can be treated with non-surgical methods including muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medication, rest, and physical therapy. Epidural steroid injections can be useful for reducing inflammation and easing pain as well.

A spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis back brace may also be recommended with a Boston overlap brace to limit spinal movement as the fracture heals.

Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis surgery is typically only recommended for severe slippage that is progressively worsening with back pain that isn’t improved with conservative treatment.

Surgery may involve directly repairing a defect in the vertebra and spinal fusion, usually between the fifth lumbar vertebra and sacrum. Spinal fusion can alleviate back pain, prevent further slippage, and stabilize the spine by preventing movement of this segment of the spine.

If you are dealing with the pain of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis, call us today to schedule your appointment at Coast Spine and Sports Medicine to begin a tailored treatment plan. We welcome patients in the Orange County and Los Angeles County areas, including Santa Ana, Downey, and Rancho Cucamonga, CA.