Chiropractor in Redondo Beach CA Explains Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Back pain has many causes in Redondo Beach CA, and sometimes, dysfunction in the back can impact the limbs, as well. At the Catalina Chiropractic Center, our doctors carry out thorough examinations to discover the source of a patient’s pain or numbness. One of the most common problems we find is a spinal misalignment called degenerative spondylolisthesis.

What is Spondylolisthesis in Redondo Beach CA?

Spondylolisthesis describes what happens when a vertebra has slipped forward. This can be caused by injury, tumorous growths, or deformity, but in most cases it is degenerative. What this means is that the spinal discs in between each bone have gotten drier, or the facet joints in back of the spine have lost strength, causing the vertebra to slowly slip forward. Degenerative spondylolisthesis is most often found in the lumbar region, which is the lower back, although it can occur in the neck. Women over age sixty-five are the population most at risk.

A person may be unaware that they have spondylolisthesis. However, slipped vertebrae in the lumbar region can compress tissues in the pelvic region, leading to pain and tightness in the hamstrings and the back of the thighs. Patients may also experience back pain and sometimes have sciatica. People with spondylolisthesis are advised to rest and avoid banding backwards. Safe pain relief including heat and ice pack usage, chiropractic adjustments, and ultrasounds to relive muscle tension all get good results. Improved nutrition and low-impact exercise can help prevent further degeneration.

For more information please visit our website or give us a call at (310) 378-7246. We are located at 1919 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277.