Conservative therapy
Severe symptoms can significantly reduce the quality of life with this disease.Early and appropriate therapy can prevent the progression of spondylolisthesis and significantly reduce pain. Within the framework of conservative therapy, the patient is first given sufficient information on how to specifically relieve the strain on his spine in everyday and working life. Physiotherapy and back school are offered to support this.
The patient is instructed to do exercises independently even after the agreed physiotherapy. This is very important for the success of the therapy. In addition, the patient receives information about which movements and sports are suitable, for example, to strengthen the back muscles and give the spine more stability.
Relief of the spine and prevention of progressive crookedness can be prevented by orthopedic insoles. These are individually adapted to the foot by an orthopedic technician using a prescription. The use of electrotherapy, which involves the flow of current through the muscles, relaxes the muscles and relieves pain. In addition, a drug therapy can support the reduction of pain.
Operation
Surgery may become necessary if consistent conservative therapy has not been successful. Other indications are advanced spondylolisthesis over several vertebral bodies or if nerves are already damaged and sensitivity disorders become more severe. The goal of surgery is to restore the original anatomical shape of the spine.
The slipped vertebrae are pulled back into their original position by means of screws and rods and fixed in place. The stability of the spinal column is thus restored. An additional filling of interspaces with titanium or plastic supports the vertebrae and keeps them in position.
Aftercare
For the surgery to be successful, the spine should be immobilized with a corset for several weeks. It takes some time for the vertebrae to ossify in their new position and then guarantee stability. Physiotherapy should then be started to slowly strengthen the surrounding back muscles.
The build-up of muscles has a supportive effect on the healing process. In the rehabilitation center, patients learn how they should behave after the operation and which exercises on equipment or in water therapy are helpful for the success of the operation. After the operation, symptoms such as numbness in the legs or nerve damage are reduced and patients feel a significant improvement.
