Identifying the precise source of back pain and neck pain can be challenging, especially because numerous factors can contribute to similar symptoms. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are two spine-related conditions that may produce similar symptoms for vastly different reasons. Dr. Behnam Salari discusses your symptoms and runs advanced diagnostic tests to identify and treat the specific root cause of your spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in Morristown, ensuring optimal results.
What is Spondylolysis?
Spondylolysis is a degenerative condition caused by age-related changes in the spinal structures. The spine is a complex organ consisting of numerous joints, intervertebral discs, ligaments, and other components. Over time, the cushion-like intervertebral discs can lose water content and erode, making your bone rub against bone. This can also lead to the development of bone spurs that compress the surrounding nerve roots, leading to the symptoms of nerve radiculopathy.
Symptoms of Spondylolysis:
- Severe neck pain or back pain
- Joint stiffness
- Chronic headaches
- Loss of mobility in the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Muscle weakness and involuntary spasms
- Loss of balance and gait changes
- Difficulty while walking or standing
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
Potential Causes of Spondylolysis:
- Aging
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Disc herniation
- Trauma
Spondylolisthesis refers to the complete slippage of the spine. The spinal column consists of 33 vertebrae located one above the other, separated by small cushion-like intervertebral discs. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra moves out of place, thereby slipping against the adjacent vertebra. This can lead to severe back pain, instability, loss of movement, and other neurologic symptoms. The location and type of pain depend on the location of the slipped vertebra. Dr. Salari finds and treats the root cause of your spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in Morristown for your relief.
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis:
- Severe back pain
- Intense burning sensations
- Sciatica pain
- Leg pain
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness and tingling sensations
- Pain radiating down one leg
- Pain in the buttocks and thighs
- Difficulty while walking or standing
Potential Causes of Spondylolisthesis:
- Fracture of the pars interarticularis or isthmus (Isthmic Spondylolisthesis)
- Age-related degeneration or arthritis of the facet joints (Degenerative Spondylolisthesis)
- Abnormal bone formation since birth (Congenital Spondylolisthesis)
- Infections, tumors, osteoporosis, or bone weakness (Pathological Spondylolisthesis)
- Vertebral displacement due to surgery (Post-Surgical Spondylolisthesis)
- Spinal traumas and fractures (Traumatic Spondylolisthesis)
Diagnosis of Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Dr. Behnam Salari aims to restore optimal spine stability while minimizing damage to the surrounding spinal nerves. He curates a personalized treatment plan for you after discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and understanding the true nature of your condition. He also runs imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays to determine the degree of vertebral slippage or disc degeneration. This allows him to curate the ideal treatment plan for you.
Contact Dr. Salari for Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Treatment
Dr. Behnam Salari is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive techniques. He prefers using non-surgical solutions to address all of your concerns, including spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, but some severe cases may necessitate immediate surgical intervention. When that happens, Dr. Salari uses cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques to ensure optimal results with minimal downtime.
If you have the signs and symptoms of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis in Morristown, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Salari at our state-of-the-art offices in Morristown, Hackettstown, Sparta, or Randolph in New Jersey.
