Back pain affects as much as 16% of the population. In all situations, it is painful, frustrating, and can hamper your ability to undertake daily tasks. In many cases, the cause is never fully identified and people either live with the pain or it fades by itself. 

Isthmic Spondylolisthesis is a known condition that causes pain deep inside your back. It can be deliberating but there are some simple treatments that can help you continue a normal life.

What Is Isthmic Spondylolisthesis?

This condition describes when a vertebra slips forward, this results in additional pressure n the one below and causes a fracture in the adjoining bone. Interestingly, this fracture often occurs when people are between 5-7 years old. Unfortunately, children are rarely aware of an issue, leaving it undiscovered until adulthood.

 This condition is graded according to how badly the vertebrae has slipped, Grade one equates to a 25% split while grade 4 covers a 76-100% slip. The higher the grade the more severe the issue. The good news is that most people only experience grade one or two.

The most common symptoms of this condition are:

• A deep ache in the lower back
• Pain radiating into the buttocks and thighs
• The level of pain eases when sitting
• Tired legs
• Tight hamstrings

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms. If you’re displaying any or all of these symptoms you need to make an appointment with a reputable neurosurgeon.

Treatment Options 

There are several treatments that are surprisingly effective:

• Hot & Cold

This is a classic approach to injuries and inflammations but it works. The aim is to place a cold pack or ice onto the lower back as soon as the pain is felt. Be careful not to place ice directly onto your back as you could get frostbite, wrap it in a towel first.

The cold reduces blood flow, helping to prevent inflammation and swelling which causes nerve pinching and pain.

After 24 hours you switch to heat therapy which allows the nutrients to flow to the area. These are essential for your body to repair itself. 

• Movement

One of the best things you can do with any type of back pain is to start moving. The aim is to gently stretch your spine. Simple tasks like walking and hamstring stretches can make a huge difference in the amount of pain you experience. 

The best part is it’s easy to start moving and the benefit will quickly be felt. 

• Manipulation

This approach must only be taken by professionals. If it’s done wrong it can increase the injury and the pain level. But, a professional can manipulate your joints to reduce dysfunction and inflammation. This will reduce or even eliminate the pain.

• Steroid Injections

It is possible to have steroids injected directly into your spinal column. This is known as an epidural and can be used to eliminate the pain. However, an injection of lidocaine and steroids will actually help your doctor diagnose the issue. 

In extreme cases, surgery is an option, but this is rarely necessary.