How does a slipped disc occur?

Spondylolisthesis can occur due to congenital abnormalities of the lumbar vertebrae. In addition, lumbar slippage may occur due to degeneration, i.e. the wear and tear caused by the aging of the spine and surrounding connective tissues. It may occur due to traumas such as falls and traffic accidents. Inappropriate sports and strenuous movements can also be the cause of slipped discs.

What are the symptoms of slipped discs?

The most common complaint in slipped discs is low back and hip pain. There may be lower back and leg pain and numbness that increases with walking and decreases with stopping, resting and bending forward. Muscle tension, weakness and cramps may also occur in the legs.

How is a slipped back diagnosed?

In addition to a careful physical examination, the diagnosis of spondylolisthesis is almost always based on direct radiographs. Films may need to be taken in different positions to determine whether the slippage increases with movement of the spine.

Computed tomography can be used to detect the condition of the slip in the bones or stress fractures that cannot be seen on direct radiographs. In addition, MRI to show the degree of slippage and the pressure on the nerves can be guiding in the treatment.

How is a slipped back treated?

The main treatment of spondylolisthesis is conservative (non-surgical treatment). Restriction of movement that increases pain and slippage, weight loss, painkillers, use of corsets and physical therapy are the main treatment modalities. 10-15% of cases do not respond to conservative treatment and require surgical intervention. Surgical treatment may be required to stop the progression of neurological deficits, stabilize the lumbar spine and restore the integrity of the spine in patients with a degree of slippage above 50%.

Spondylolisthesis is a condition caused by the displacement of the disc between the two vertebrae at the bottom of the spine. Spondylolisthesis can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling and loss of strength.

Non-surgical methods for spondylolisthesis are the first treatment option for most patients. These methods help to reduce pain and inflammation, support the spine and strengthen the muscles.

The methods used in non-surgical slipped back treatment are as follows:

• Rest People with spondylolisthesis should rest until the pain and swelling subsides. This usually takes a few weeks to several months.
• Painkillers Painkillers can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy Physical therapy helps to strengthen the muscles and support the spine. Methods used in physical therapy include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, massage and hot and cold applications.
• Corset A lumbar corset helps support the spine and can reduce pain.
• Injections In some cases, steroid injections may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

Non-surgical treatments are effective in the majority of patients with spondylolisthesis . However, surgical intervention may be necessary in the following cases:

• If pain and other symptoms cannot be controlled with non-surgical treatments
• If the slipped back puts pressure on the nerves
• If a slipped back causes loss of stability in the spine

Surgical intervention is performed to correct spondylolisthesis and relieve pressure on the nerves. The type of surgical intervention depends on the degree and location of the slipped back.

What are the Physical Therapy Methods for Slipped Back?

Physical therapy applications may vary according to the degree of spondylolisthesis and the general condition of the patient. Commonly used physiotherapy methods include the following:

• Manual therapy: Using their hands, the physiotherapist relaxes the muscles of the lower back and back, moves the spine and reduces pain.
• Exercise Special exercises are done to strengthen the muscles of the lower back, back and abdomen. These exercises help to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
• Traction: It is a method used to reduce pain and increase the mobility of the spine by stretching the lumbar spine.
• Thermotherapy A method used to reduce pain and inflammation with hot or cold applications.
• Electrotherapy: It is a method used to reduce pain, strengthen muscles and increase the mobility of the spine using electric current.

Physical therapy applications are usually performed 2-3 times a week for 10-15 sessions. After the applications, the patient's pain decreases and mobility increases.

In addition to physiotherapy, measures such as painkillers, bracing and weight loss can be taken to treat spondylolisthesis.

When Is Surgery Necessary in Lumbar Slipped Back Treatment?

Spondylolisthesis surgery may be necessary in the following cases

• If pain and other complaints persist for more than 6 months despite medication and other treatment methods.
• If pain or other complaints interfere with the patient's ability to perform daily activities.
• Pressure on the spinal cord or nerves is severe and causes loss of neurological function.
• If the degree of slippage is high and the stability of the spine is impaired.

In open surgery, a large incision is made in the lumbar region and the bones of the spine are directly visible. This method is preferred for more complex misalignments and when the pressure on the spinal cord or nerves is severe.

In closed surgery, small incisions are made in the lumbar region and the operation is performed with the help of a camera and instruments. This method is less invasive and the recovery time is shorter.

After a slipped back surgery, it may take several months for the patient to recover. During this period, the patient needs bed rest, painkillers and physiotherapy.

1. Slipped Waist Open Surgery

In open surgery, an incision about 10-15 cm long is made in the lumbar region. Through this incision, the bones of the spine can be seen and the displaced bones are fixed in place. Screws, rods or plates can be used for fixation.

Open surgery is preferred for more complex slips and when the pressure on the spinal cord or nerves is severe. The advantage of this method is that it allows a direct view of the spinal bones. This allows the surgery to be performed more precisely. However, the disadvantage is that the recovery time is longer.

2. Low Back Dislocation Closed Surgery

In closed surgery, several small incisions about 1-2 cm long are made in the lumbar region. After these incisions, the surgery is performed with the help of a camera and instruments. The camera magnifies and visualizes the surgical field so that the operation can be performed more clearly.

Closed surgery is less invasive. Therefore, the recovery time is shorter. However, the disadvantage of this method is that the spinal bones cannot be seen directly. Therefore, the surgery can be performed less precisely.

Recovery Process

After spondylolisthesis surgery, the patient may take several months to recover. During this period, the patient needs bed rest, painkillers and physiotherapy.

The duration of bed rest depends on the type and extent of the surgery. Usually, hospitalization is required for the first few days after surgery. Afterwards, the patient is sent home and advised to rest at home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slipped Back

What should a person with a slipped back do?

Spondylolisthesis is easily treatable if diagnosed early. If you think you have symptoms of spondylolisthesis, seek support from a specialized team as soon as possible.