Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which the vertebra slips forward from the vertebra below. Spondylo means spine, and the word listhesis, literally means to slip. While this condition is actually fairly common in the population, it is rare for the condition to slip to a degree that is great enough to create problems. Physicians and the medical community label the varying degrees of slippage, from least to most severe, as grades 1 through 5. A complete slip, beyond that of a "grade 5," where the vertebra no longer sits on the other vertebra, is called Spondyloptosis. This condition can occur at any vertebra level, but is more commonly seen in the lumbar region of the spine. This is the area in which I experienced my Spondyloptosis. I am now considered a grade 5 following numerous surgeries, procedures, and a full body cast. There are a number of debated "fixes" (surgeries/procedures) for Spondylolistheis, but due to the infrequency of the condition becoming extreme enough to require surgery, they are more experimental than common practice, in my opinion. I am not a doctor, nor am I an expert on this condition, that is, if you consider an "expert" as someone whom has credentials in the medical field. I have simply dealt with this condition, first hand, for my entire adult life, and the majority of my juvenile years as well. My hope for this page on Spondylolisthesis is to utilize the power of the internet in order to reach as many individuals, in all age groups, whom may be dealing with this condition in their life. Whether the given condition is labeled at a level 1, or if the case is more severe, I hope that my personal experience, insight, and research with regards to the spinal abnormality, may help as many individuals as possible. This condition tends to be less well known than other conditions and diseases, and I found it difficult to connect with any fellow sufferer's during my painful, tough, and life altering struggle with this extremely painful condition. There are many "experimental" fixes for this condition, which are ultimately determined by the grade level found in the patient. I believe that it is highly important for anyone whom faces decisions regarding medical intervention be able to obtain as much information, even the detailed and nitty gritty (if you will), so that they may truly be able to choose the best option(s) for their specific case. Not only are there a few different surgical and medical procedures as possibilities for treatment, but there are also a few alternative options that may work well for both an intervention, along with possible combination of treatments, which may result in a more rounded and promising future for a patient. Treatment is often determined by the severity, but even in the most severe cases, there are a few options that may not be presented or addressed by a provider, therefore limiting options, and resulting in a rush for the operating table. Now don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to surgical intervention, as my condition was very severe, and without immediate intervention, my overall quality of life would have been bleak, even deadly. I would also like to note, that like many surgeries, whether it be on your spine or your heart, surgical intervention may assist in increasing the overall quality of life, but it rarely, if ever, makes one "normal" again, nor "fixes" the health issues completely. This is a myth. There will always be a sort of "life long up-keep," which is required to assist in allowing your body to work the best way possible, in a less than normal state. Again, this is my opinion, which is based simply upon my personal experiences, observations, and research.
I hope that anyone whom may be just learning of this condition (parents who are educating themselves with regards to their child's recently diagnosed condition, any adult that has just been diagnosed, and is seeking information, resources, options and help, along with those veteran Spondylolisthesis sufferers), may take time to research the condition to the best of their ability, ask many questions, thoroughly investigate all options that may be available (both western medicine and alternative health care), and feel free to contact me with any questions, advice, stories, or anything else that may be prevalent to the goal of assisting each other in making the pain, along with our general quality of life, a little better. This condition is a life long presence and battle. It can be very scary, painful, and all around difficult. I will share my timeline from my earliest pain and symptoms, to my surgeries, and ultimately, my current struggles. I pray that this page may help both those facing a Spondylolisthesis diagnosis, along with anyone whom finds themselves seeking support for a family member or friend. Even if I only manage to reach just one person struggling to stay afloat in this overwhelming process, I will be grateful that my painful experience was able to make another's less frightening and isolating. I know that there are others out there, and I cannot allow those who are facing the same daunting unknown, struggle through the darkness, when I have already walked the journey.
As a last note, if you are dealing with ANY chronic health condition, please take a moment to read both the poem "Footprints In The Sand" & "The Spoon Theory." ~ Blessings ~
