The lowdown on my back
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Life
quote:Spondylolisthesis (spon-dee-low-lis-thee-sis) occurs when one vertebrae slips forward in relation to an adjacent vertebrae, usually in the lumbar spine.
The disc bulge is a result of the vertebrae slipping forward (because the bone that is broken has caused an instability in the spine so at that point it is not “holding together” because the bone that braces the disc by bracing with the other vertebrae is broken so there is nothing bracing the vertebrae from slipping forward.)I have a photo of today’s additional x-rays. But here’s pretty much what it looks like:
Turns out the cyst is not in any way associated with the pain. It is on the opposite side where there is no pain and is associated with the arthritis…which is also a result of the pars defect because of the extra stress. I’m in the 6% of the population that has a true genetic pars defect, born with it and the result inevitable. Through time and stress on the defect the bone at some time during growth breaks due to the abnormailty as a result of not being able to handle the every day function of the spine. Pretty much a stress fracture. You can go for quite a long time with no pain. My body has decided now is the time for some pain and complication. I’m at grade 1 slippage which does not mandate surgery and surgery will be the absolute LAST resort when quality of every day life becomes unmanageable without surgical repair. I have quite a few options to choose from. PT, heat/cold, massage, pain meds, TENS unit (nerve stimulation through electronic pulses), injections, back brace.
We are starting with physical therapy at the orthopaedic center and most likely utilize a TENS unit during therapy. Then I will probably opt for the chiro. Meds and injections…last.
Good news is that we discussed riding and he said I can continue riding. Of course I will still be very careful. But this is not a trauma induced injury that is going to worsen because of any particular activity (makes sense because if so, some of my days of riding fractious horses would have put me out of commission a long time ago). I’ve been riding with it for years obviously.
So there you have it. My doctor was great, very descriptive, gave me a copy of an x-ray and drew it out for me so I could see as he explained. I didn’t leave with any questions and he about answered most of them before I had a chance to ask.
