Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Treatment & Surgery

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Treatment & Surgery

One of the most important structural components of the human skeleton is our spine. Our spine is composed of regularly arranged vertebral bones in a specific order. Among these bones, the vertebrae located in the lumbar region carry the weight of a large portion of the body. Due to certain reasons, some of the vertebral bones in the lumbar region may shift out of place, causing them to slide forward or backward. Lumbar spondylolisthesis is a condition that can develop in many people, both young and old. So how does lumbar spondylolisthesis develop, what are its symptoms, treatment options, and surgical procedures? Let's examine this together.

What is Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

Lumbar spondylolisthesis is a condition that generally occurs when vertebral bones move and reposition themselves forward or backward. This positional change usually occurs in the L4 and L5 vertebrae. This slippage may occur due to many different causes. However, if left untreated and not diagnosed early, it can seriously affect a person's quality of life.

What Causes Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis, commonly known as lumbar spondylolisthesis, can lead to many complications if left untreated. This condition causes severe pain in affected individuals. Let's examine the causes of lumbar spondylolisthesis together:

• Strain on lumbar vertebrae,

• Congenital abnormalities in the vertebrae,

• Age,

• Lumbar trauma,

• Failure to maintain proper care following lumbar spinal surgery,

• Bone diseases,

• Complications occurring during childbirth,

• Disability,

• Sudden movements,

and similar factors can be listed.

What Happens if Lumbar Spondylolisthesis is Left Untreated?

The movement and incorrect positioning of vertebral bones is called lumbar spondylolisthesis. This condition develops with certain symptoms and can be corrected through early diagnosis and treatment, improving the patient's quality of life. However, if this disease is overlooked or intentionally neglected, the following complications may develop:

• Severe lumbar pain develops,

• Numbness may occur in the lumbar region and below,

• Joint pain may develop,

• Ankylosing spondylitis or kyphosis may occur,

• Urinary incontinence may develop,

• Loss of libido may occur,

• Partial paralysis may develop as a final consequence,

What are the Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

When examining the symptoms of lumbar spondylolisthesis, two primary symptoms are generally observed: severe lumbar pain and leg pain. These pains typically subside with rest but tend to intensify with activities such as walking, fatigue, heavy lifting, and forward bending. When experiencing complaints of lumbar and leg pain, immediate medical consultation is essential. It should be remembered that early diagnosis is crucial in all types of diseases and can be life-saving.

How is Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Treated?

When examining how lumbar spondylolisthesis is treated, we find that this condition is managed using multiple methods and techniques. After visiting a doctor for examination and receiving a diagnosis, if the slippage is not severe and tends to resolve with rest, conservative treatment with rest and exercise is recommended.

In some cases, treatment is initiated with medication and physical therapy. If the lumbar slippage in the patient is advanced, the doctor intervenes with surgical operation to complete the treatment.

How is Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Surgery Performed?

Lumbar spondylolisthesis surgery is one of the procedures that is performed with current technology and scientific treatment methods while minimizing risks. When these surgeries are performed by expert and experienced surgeons, risks and complications are minimized while success rates increase. For this reason, it is advisable to research experienced and qualified surgeons before undergoing surgery. This procedure typically takes 45-60 minutes. Patients receive either general or local anesthesia according to the surgeon's preference.

These surgeries are preferred in grade 3 and 4 cases where medication and other treatment methods have proven ineffective. The goal of this surgery is to restore the vertebral bones to their original position and form, thereby improving the patient's quality of life and relieving the effects of the disease. Lumbar spondylolisthesis surgery can be briefly explained in this manner.

After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Surgery

The things that should be done and observed after lumbar spondylolisthesis surgery can be briefly explained as follows:

• It should not be forgotten that the patient has undergone major surgery.

• The doctor's advice and recommendations should be carefully followed after surgery.

• Prescribed antibiotics and medications should be used carefully and diligently.

• A back brace may be worn upon the doctor's recommendation.

• The patient should not engage in exercises or sports that would strain the lumbar bones.

• A physical therapy plan should be developed according to the doctor's recommendation.

• The patient should maintain proper nutrition and health following surgery, which is of significant importance.

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Exercises

Everyone wonders how lumbar spondylolisthesis exercises should be performed. However, providing exercise instructions and expecting patients to perform them independently is quite risky and incorrect. At this stage, if you are going to perform exercises, they must be done under medical supervision and upon the doctor's recommendation.

Which Department/Doctor Should Be Consulted for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

Many people do not know which department or doctor to consult when seeking treatment after experiencing symptoms. One such condition is lumbar spondylolisthesis. Everyone wonders which department or doctor should be consulted for lumbar spondylolisthesis. For this condition, consultation with a neurosurgery and spinal surgery specialist is necessary.

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Treatment Costs in Turkey

The vast majority of treatments performed in Turkey are completed with high success rates. Consequently, most travel to our renowned country is for health-related reasons. Foreign nationals particularly prefer Turkey for multiple reasons. We can list these preference reasons for you as follows:

• High success rates of treatments performed in Turkey,

• Large and fully equipped hospitals in Turkey,

• Doctors who are specialists and experienced in their fields,

• Nurses who are specialists and experienced in their fields,

• Treatment methods that comply with the latest technology and scientific standards,

• All medical personnel treating patients are friendly and helpful,

• Treatments performed in Turkey cover accommodation, food, beverage, and vacation expenses at affordable costs,

and similar reasons can be cited as preference factors. Everyone wonders about lumbar spondylolisthesis treatment costs in Turkey. However, providing specific pricing information at this stage would not be appropriate. This is because the stage of the disease, treatment duration, diagnostic and treatment methods to be applied, and other details affect the pricing. For detailed information and pricing, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for lumbar spondylolisthesis treatment through our agency, we can facilitate your visa procedures by sending an invitation letter to the consulate on your behalf.