Arthritic symptoms may appear, as well. As with the cervical spine, the initial treatment attempts are related to restricted activity, strengthening through physical therapy, use of the anti inflammatory and pain medication, and frequently mechanical supports such as a corset or brace can be of use. In most cases, recovery is rapid and return to full activity is prompt. When there is a failure to improve despite this treatment, then once again an escalation on evaluating and treating must be considered. This is when anMRI might be requested to further visualize the disks of the spine.
Spinal fusion is indicated for certain specific conditions.
A variant in spinal anatomy identified fairly frequently is a condition known as Spondylolysis . This represents a bony defect in a segment of a vertebra which may or may not produce symptoms. In a small percentage of patients, this defect may result in an unstable situation with one vertebra slipping in its relation to the next- a condition known as Spondylolisthesis . A variation on this theme is a condition that is being seen more and more frequently in my office. As the population ages increased numbers of patients are presenting with a condition known as Spinal Stenosis .