Definition, symptomatology, diagnosis, re-education
Spondylolisthesis is a pathology of the spine characterized by the sliding of one vertebra on the other .
This slipping can manifest itself forward with respect to the underlying vertebra (anterolistesi) or posteriorly (retrolistesi) or laterally (laterolistesi) . The younger the person the more the risk of a forward slide increases.
Most spondylolisthesis is actually anterolistesis which most frequently affects the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. This condition affects about 3-7% of the population.
Spondylolisthesis can be congenital, derive from a traumatic event or from the repetition of continuous stresses on the vertebral column (stress fractures). The sports most subject to this type of injury are diving, artistic gymnastics, weight lifting and golf. Spondylolisthesis is in fact facilitated by the frequent arching of the column (sometimes extended to its limit of physiological extension) typical of these sports.
In any case, spondylolisthesis is almost always associated with spondylolysis (rupture of the vertebral isthmus)
Symptoms
To learn more: Spondylolisthesis symptoms
The symptoms and problems typical of spondylolisthesis depend on the degree of sliding and the speed with which this occurs.
Generally it manifests itself with a slight lumbago characterized by a slight but annoying pain in the area where the vertebral sliding has occurred .
The pain is more localized in the positions that accentuate the lumbar lordosis (extensions of the rachis) and is reduced in the positions that decrease it (flexion of the rachis). In adolescents, for example, they usually appear at the end of physical exertion.
In some cases spondylolisthesis can be completely asymptomatic, in others it can be associated with sciatica.
Spondylolisthesis is diagnosed according to type and entity, through a more or less thorough radiography.
drugs
Read the in-depth article.
Rehabilitation techniques in the gym
The exercises carried out in the gym must first minimize the stresses to the spine to avoid further aggravating the problem (avoid exercises such as squats, deadlifts, curl with an upright posture, torsion of the torso, running on unstamped treadmills or on very hard soils etc.). All exercises that emphasize lumbar hyperlordosis (slow with barbell, uphill walk, and thrust exercises in general) should also be avoided.
The second characteristic of the exercises aimed at improving the pathological condition associated with spondylolisthesis is to act on the stabilizing muscles of the pelvis .
Lumbar hyperlordosis is a condition in which the normal lumbar lordosis is accentuated.
As a result of this process, imbalances are created that alter the normal distribution of vertebral loads.
To reduce lumbar hyperlordosis it is first necessary to rebalance the decompensation between the posterior musculature of the back and the anterior one. A program aimed at achieving this goal must proceed by precise stages:
1) POSTURAL EDUCATION: through pelvic control and sensitization exercises aimed at finding the most favorable position for the subject (generally a slight retroversion)
2) ENHANCEMENT OF THE ABDOMINAL MUSCLES (See: Importance of the abdominal muscles in the prevention of low back pain) AND STRETCHING OF THE SPINAL MUSCLES, THE MUSCLE, ILEO PSOAS AND THICK FLEXES.
Later, you can associate the abdominal muscle strengthening program with ischiocrural and GLUTEI muscle toning exercises.
It is also advisable to try also to strengthen the oblique muscles of the abdomen, the square of the loins and the lumbar in order to create a real muscular corset able to improve the stability of the lumbar vertebrae.
At the end of each lesson, it is useful to perform stretching exercises to decompress the intervertebral discs.
SEE ALSO: Exercises for back pain
