I just canceled my l5 surgery! I had a feeling my specialist wasn't really explaining a single thing in detail. I learned more about my injury watching THE SPINE GUY without having to move or pay!
SERIOUSLY! When I received my x-ray report, no one ever explained them to me and the PT didn’t either. I just had a bunch of weird new words to Google, which isn’t the best resource for this. It wasn’t until I met my Pilates instructor who was really savvy about the spine and had an instructor working for her who had my condition, that I began to understand. I wish I had seen this guy’s videos a long time ago. His explanation of the medications is awesome too. No wonder the steroid injections didn’t help me, bc my pain was mostly in my back at the time. I’m starting to get butt pain now. I have only been offered NSAIDS and steroid injections for my condition.
Thank you for the great detailed video! I am diagnosed with isthmic spondolylothesis now for 8 months and so so far my pain ( only in the lower back and no pain the legs or feet) didn't get better at all. I did physio therapy and continue to a lot of core training. Standing and sitting still for more than a minute is really painful. Then some bending or turning reliefs. I will try it with some medication now, maybe it will help inflamed tissue to heal. To all other sufferers god bless you and stay strong!
I wish I lived closer to you Doc. I am in Northern WY near Cody and while there are good people here I am glad that the videos I have seen, that you have made, are very informative and accurate in revealing the true issues that need to be discussed. I have had 3 spinal surgeries and I honestly wonder if all were needed and now I am afraid it is too late. I have had Doctors commonly decide to DO a surgery based on an MRI and not even discuss my symptoms.. WOW !!! Really - Whatever happened to communication with the patient who is vulnerable and needs your education and CONCERN. Thanks DOC BRIAN and I hope Doctors will indeed listen to your videos..
Thank you Very much for this helpful explanation. I have known of my Grade 2 Spondy for almost 20 years. The last 5 years I have more Nerve pain and numbness in my leg but I still can go hiking for several miles and trail run some. I dream of thru hiking the Appalachian trail again and was glad to hear you talk about not having to limit activity. If I go hiking for several months, I don't want to make it worse. But when active I actually feel okay most of the time.
Excellent patient education video. I was recently diagnosed with preliminary xrays at my Chiropractor office, however in addition to the Pars, and slipped disc, my coccyx is rotated and their is arthritis present. I am currently receiving the PT, and Chiropractor (Gonstadt technique) adjustments. Since I also have cervical issues , and scoliosis..all these factors come into play. My concern is that continued chiropractic care could be exacerbating the problems.
You are a wonderful Dr and teacher. I can't thank you enough. have this and a grade 2, about 36% slippage. In 2019, I was grade 1 at about 24% slippage. So it progressed but I am hoping this doesn't mean it will continue progressing? Disk is flattening as well. I have flare ups, but had a great 2 years of very little pain. Pain came back this week. Nerve pain that does go into leg and foot again. Pain around a 4 or 5. No weakness. But I cry at having this. I never know when it will start up again and contemplated surgery. But I don't have weakness yet.
If you are having back pain and leg pain yes it would be reasonable to fix it surgically. Typically patients that have a grade one or grade two slip do not slip any further. You can call 415-925-8200 for a second opinion by video if you would like
Thank you so much this is exactly what I have, I wish I lived where you are located. My back and leg pain is 10+, plus arthritis and I have had a lumbar lapinectomy.
Amazing video. You are actually the first doc who has pars fractures himself. I was also diagnosed with pars fractures in August 2020. But I’m asymptomatic. Could you share how you treat your spondy? Thank you.
I’m 41 years old was diagnosed with L5 s1 grade 1 spondy recently I have no pain I’m very interested when you said you will not restrict any one to do any activity as long as there’s no pain, specially when you said it should not get worse over time (I assume you mean to a higher grade ) could you please elaborate on this I was told that this will progress to higher grade eventually and I should avoid anything that might progress it. I feel like the part of my active life is taken away for the rest of my life. Looking forward to hear back from you. Thank you for all the great info
Thank you for the information you provide. Regarding your advise not to limit one's activities if there is no pain, I was wondering if that is also valid for children. My son is 12, he is an athlete (a climber), and he's been recently diagnosed with bilateral spondylolysis of L5 and grade 1 spondylolisthesis. His L5 and S1 also have spina bifida oculta. So far, he had intermitent episodes of pain in his posterior iliac spine separated by months with 0 pain. Considering the fact that he is still growing, would you still see the spondylolisthesis as a stable lesion? He is keen on returning to his climbing gym and I fear this sport might be a risc factor for slip progression during his adolescence (so, while he is still growing). Thank you very much for your time.
I love the advice to not restrict athletes. I have grade 1 with mild lumbar pain but no nerve pain. Can CrossFit and deadlifts and back squats be resumed usually? Do those lifts make it progress pass a grade 1?
You should not limit your activity and it is unlikely to progress after a grade 1 spondylolisthesis. As a disclaimer please consult your spine surgeon.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank you for your time in making this content and posting replies! Truly a great resource for those of us trying to figure out how to move forward.
40 years ago I got this diagnosis along with spinabifida occulta,...L5 is 15 mm forward and moves 2mm at any given time. I have 3 bone spurs. With great non operative healthy lifestyle choices I’ve been able to be active, birth 2 children, and still backpack and snowboard. I can’t run, do asymmetrical repetitious motion, extreme twisting, over stretching,...I can swim, but not high intensity twisting What works for me, sensible shoes with zero drop, massage, physio, mental calming techniques, walking daily, yoga (gentle and opening, not crushing),....I avoid all drugs,... in grade 9 I was given a lot of pain meds,...I’ve just figured out what I can and cannot do, and how to notice when back tightening occurs and t release it before t become bad
Doctor, I have full gratitude of your video. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I have a question regarding no limit on activities. If the instability already leads to faster disc degeneration, is it concerning that full activities would deteriorate disc even faster and cause symptoms?
Thanks for your great teaching. What would you recommend for a body builder who is newly diagnosed along with back pain. He was squatting 450 lbs... Are there exercises he needs to stop?
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Thanks for answering, my son has bilateral par's fractures L5, slippage, back pain and some sciatic pain. His ortho doctor said he can't tell him this, but you should stop exercising and get better insurance which left him devastated and not sure what to do. He does have an appointment with PT. Question is what about weight lifting in the future? thanks
Finally I've found someone who is telling exactly what I'm going through. Thank you Dr. Su for these highly informative videos. I've bilateral L5 pars defects with grade 1 anterolisthesis of L5 on S1..plus Subchondral sclerosis of the right sacroiliac joint. Don't have much of nerve root compression and only get posterior left hip pain with prolonged sitting. The backache and pain in sacrum though is unbearable. I can barely walk, have restricted movements and feel like my spine can't bear my own weight. Can my symptoms improve with medication and PT? Can I get back to normal life activities?
Hi Dr. Thank you so much for your video. I was diagnosed with Isthmic Spondy, forminal stenosis, and a herniated disc. I just would like to know if a herniated disc can heal from a grade 1 spondy. Thank you for your time and I really hope to hear back from you.
A herniated disc can definitely heal in the setting of a grade 1 spondy. I would probably watch the lumbar disc herniation set of videos because that is probably what is causing your leg pain if it is an acute disc herniation. As a disclaimer this should not be considered medical advice.
Thanks doc the info!! Couple of querries. Shall we have to stay in medication for life if they work? And are there any activity restrictions if pain goes away?
Hi I have billateral pars defect ...grade 1 spondy I'm a boxer held back since diagnosis a year ago ...cosmy legs more so that back specially tingle even after a walk and lieing in pain ...should I still exercise with this legs pain especially calves both sides is it OK exercise is my life so hard top figure what to do as pain in bad
hi dr thanks for your informative video can isthmic spondylolisthesis patients with weakness test of 4 recover after fusion surgery and have normal strong leg back and if so how long after surgery thanks
Thank you for the video! I was wondering how common is for isthmic spondylolisthesis to keep progressing? I (23F) was recently diagnosed with level 1 . Thank you!!
Patients with a grade one slip are unlikely to progress in terms of increased slippage. However, you can certainly progress with this degeneration and stenosis at that level. As a disclaimer this should not be considered medical advice and you should always consult your spine surgeon.
Hello Dr. Does this mean that people with isthmic spondylolisthesis even without grade progression will always/likely to have to deal with degerative spondy and need surgery later in life?
@@tedpattrawong2552 He explains this clearly in the video, that 90% of people with this condition will not need surgery. Many use medications, PT and by strengthening their core can keep symptoms in check. That being said, it doesn’t mean that it won’t get worse. I was just diagnosed with this, as well.
Great video!! I have an L5 right side pars defect, a grade 1 spondy and an L5 bulged disk. Used to have some pain on my buttock and sometimes (the days I stood for a long time) in the outer side of my lower leg. I’ve recently done a 10 sessions non surgical spinal decompression treatment and must say that the pain in my buttocks and leg has almost disappeared. Still have some back pain at the L5 right side but haven’t felt nerve pain since my 3rd or 4th session. This makes me think that the bulged disc (probably created by a bit of slippage) really got better and the whole foraminal area is now more open. What is your view on this? Would you think it makes sense this outcome? Would love to hear your views.
I think this has happened to me. I suffered with L5/S1 disc pain for 30 years (showed dark on MRI) then I felt my spine collapse (crash crash). There was a long period of severe pain (had to buy water bed to sleep) but now the centre L5/S1 disc pain has gone and I can do more without pain/weakness stopping me. I now have pain in the sides of my low spine. I'm thinking I should ask for an x-ray to see what has happened.
Hi doctor , i was recently diagnosted with L4 spondylolithesis isthmic bilateral ,pain comes and goes i sometimes handle it with paracetamol , i really need to know if i can still lift weights (i only do homewourkouts with a pair of dumbbells 10 to 12 kg ) if yes is there any exercises to avoid(like back row or squats ) ? And can i play soccer if i avoid to much contact ? I am really looking forward to your answer, THANK YOU .
Hi Dr. Su, I love this video. I understand what you're saying I think about "breaking the cycle of inflammation", however, does this mean then after the 14 days of NSAIDS your inflammation is gone and you feel better? I am in a lot of pain and will begin the Aleve today.
Hi I am 74 and I am doing the 14 day Aleve that you speak of can I still ride my stationery bike or lay off untill after the 14 days I suffer from sciatica thanks
Hello Doctor Brian, Greetings and thank you for the wonderful explanation. My age is 31 ,weight 80 Kgs 6 ft tall. I have been diagnosed with l5 spondylolysis and Grade 1 spondylolisthesis(anterolisthesis) L5 over s1. My symptoms include lower back pain or buttock pain(intense for 2 days and settles in 10 -14 days), No leg pain, no numbness. Non radiating and localised to only lower back or buttocks (might occur sometimes on left side though right side is more common). Usually starts when i spend a week sitting for long hours with my work. It usually occurs once in 3 months and resolves sometimes with medications and sometimes without them. The problem has been ongoing since 6 years , though only recently diagnosed as earlier it used to ease out without any medicines in a week. 1) My question is if the symptoms continue to occur every 3 months what would be your suggestion ? can it be treated through non -operative methods? 2) is it advisable to take medicines once every 3 or 6 months? Thanks in advance
My doctor tells me that people rarely have a slip over 5 or 6 mm. What stops the slippage from progressing and what makes the slip progress to a high-grade spondylolithiasis and how common a higher grade slippages
When slips are below grade two they tend not to progress. Rather they usually reach a state of equilibrium. Past grade two they can certainly progress.
Hi Dr. Su. Abi here from the Philippines. Is it safe to take CELCOXX for my mom who has hypertension and diabetes? Or should she stick to Ibuprofen? She has been taking CELCOXX on and off, on days when she has pain, but some days she bears through the pain and skips CELCOXX because I told her she cannot take it for 1 week straight. Thank you Doc, appreciate your advice.
I have a grade 2 spondy with a significant pars fracture. One of my newer symptoms that has just popped up recently is that I am stumbling a lot. Also when I walk I am pulling to the right. Should I be concerned?
Ibuprofen: 800mg, three times per day, for two weeks. I did not know this. This is like taking an anti-biotic: build up the level. Okay. Got it. Want to break the inflammation.
I am finding this very interesting and useful to confirm what I have learnt over the years. I've had a bilateral L5 Pars defect and L5-S1 spondylolisthesis for over 25 years. It has been managed conservatively with physio and osteopath care which has helped significantly up until this year. I am now getting weeks and months of back pain when I have an episode instead of a few days (pain meds have never done anything for me). I have to avoid ALL physical work that may irritate my back now while before I could work as normal. Bizarrely, the leg pain I get (when symptomatic which always correlates with back pain symptoms) is front inner thigh burning, hip pain and knee pain along with weakness in thigh attempting to stand. This is confusing my spine guy and I honestly think he's out of his depth. What are your thoughts on this please Doc?
You can always try getting a bilateral l5 selective nerve injection to see if it helps diagnostically. You can also make a virtual appointment with me at California orthopedics and spine
I just canceled my l5 surgery! I had a feeling my specialist wasn't really explaining a single thing in detail. I learned more about my injury watching THE SPINE GUY without having to move or pay!
He is Clearly intelligent and skilled
SERIOUSLY! When I received my x-ray report, no one ever explained them to me and the PT didn’t either. I just had a bunch of weird new words to Google, which isn’t the best resource for this. It wasn’t until I met my Pilates instructor who was really savvy about the spine and had an instructor working for her who had my condition, that I began to understand. I wish I had seen this guy’s videos a long time ago. His explanation of the medications is awesome too. No wonder the steroid injections didn’t help me, bc my pain was mostly in my back at the time. I’m starting to get butt pain now. I have only been offered NSAIDS and steroid injections for my condition.
Thank you for the great detailed video! I am diagnosed with isthmic spondolylothesis now for 8 months and so so far my pain ( only in the lower back and no pain the legs or feet) didn't get better at all. I did physio therapy and continue to a lot of core training. Standing and sitting still for more than a minute is really painful. Then some bending or turning reliefs. I will try it with some medication now, maybe it will help inflamed tissue to heal. To all other sufferers god bless you and stay strong!
I wish I lived closer to you Doc. I am in Northern WY near Cody and while there are good people here I am glad that the videos I have seen, that you have made, are very informative and accurate in revealing the true issues that need to be discussed. I have had 3 spinal surgeries and I honestly wonder if all were needed and now I am afraid it is too late. I have had Doctors commonly decide to DO a surgery based on an MRI and not even discuss my symptoms.. WOW !!! Really - Whatever happened to communication with the patient who is vulnerable and needs your education and CONCERN. Thanks DOC BRIAN and I hope Doctors will indeed listen to your videos..
Super helpfull!! Thank you again dr. Su for another great video. 😊🙏
superlative explanation.... a SINCERE thank YOU... I still have the pain...can now understand what I can do about it
Very Empowering
Thank you for making this information accessible to everyone! This video series is AMAZING 🙌💜
Thank you Very much for this helpful explanation. I have known of my Grade 2 Spondy for almost 20 years. The last 5 years I have more Nerve pain and numbness in my leg but I still can go hiking for several miles and trail run some. I dream of thru hiking the Appalachian trail again and was glad to hear you talk about not having to limit activity. If I go hiking for several months, I don't want to make it worse. But when active I actually feel okay most of the time.
Thank you for the information Dr. Brian Su.
Excellent patient education video. I was recently diagnosed with preliminary xrays at my Chiropractor office, however in addition to the Pars, and slipped disc, my coccyx is rotated and their is arthritis present. I am currently receiving the PT, and Chiropractor (Gonstadt technique) adjustments. Since I also have cervical issues , and scoliosis..all these factors come into play. My concern is that continued chiropractic care could be exacerbating the problems.
Thank You
Thanks again for your wonderful explanation. This is very helpful.
So good!!! Very very helpful
You are a wonderful Dr and teacher. I can't thank you enough. have this and a grade 2, about 36% slippage. In 2019, I was grade 1 at about 24% slippage. So it progressed but I am hoping this doesn't mean it will continue progressing? Disk is flattening as well. I have flare ups, but had a great 2 years of very little pain. Pain came back this week. Nerve pain that does go into leg and foot again. Pain around a 4 or 5. No weakness. But I cry at having this. I never know when it will start up again and contemplated surgery. But I don't have weakness yet.
If you are having back pain and leg pain yes it would be reasonable to fix it surgically. Typically patients that have a grade one or grade two slip do not slip any further. You can call 415-925-8200 for a second opinion by video if you would like
Thank you so much this is exactly what I have, I wish I lived where you are located. My back and leg pain is 10+, plus arthritis and I have had a lumbar lapinectomy.
Amazing video. You are actually the first doc who has pars fractures himself. I was also diagnosed with pars fractures in August 2020. But I’m asymptomatic. Could you share how you treat your spondy? Thank you.
Mine is not symptomatic meaning it's not painful so just usual care and good physical therapy
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy will it progress to further slippage?
I’m 41 years old was diagnosed with L5 s1 grade 1 spondy recently I have no pain I’m very interested when you said you will not restrict any one to do any activity as long as there’s no pain, specially when you said it should not get worse over time (I assume you mean to a higher grade ) could you please elaborate on this I was told that this will progress to higher grade eventually and I should avoid anything that might progress it. I feel like the part of my active life is taken away for the rest of my life. Looking forward to hear back from you. Thank you for all the great info
@@tedpattrawong2552 sorry to hear about your condition. It seems that we are very similar. Looking forward to the doctor’s reply.
Thank you for the information you provide.
Regarding your advise not to limit one's activities if there is no pain, I was wondering if that is also valid for children. My son is 12, he is an athlete (a climber), and he's been recently diagnosed with bilateral spondylolysis of L5 and grade 1 spondylolisthesis. His L5 and S1 also have spina bifida oculta. So far, he had intermitent episodes of pain in his posterior iliac spine separated by months with 0 pain.
Considering the fact that he is still growing, would you still see the spondylolisthesis as a stable lesion?
He is keen on returning to his climbing gym and I fear this sport might be a risc factor for slip progression during his adolescence (so, while he is still growing).
Thank you very much for your time.
Please make a virtual appointment with me by calling California orthopedics and spine
Waiting to see the surgical options episode.
I love the advice to not restrict athletes. I have grade 1 with mild lumbar pain but no nerve pain. Can CrossFit and deadlifts and back squats be resumed usually? Do those lifts make it progress pass a grade 1?
You should not limit your activity and it is unlikely to progress after a grade 1 spondylolisthesis. As a disclaimer please consult your spine surgeon.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank you for your time in making this content and posting replies! Truly a great resource for those of us trying to figure out how to move forward.
Isn't Dexamethasone stronger? I got prescribed Dexamethasone on a taper dose. As always great videos, clear and with clarity.
Prednisone is another type of steroid they are all very similar
40 years ago I got this diagnosis along with spinabifida occulta,...L5 is 15 mm forward and moves 2mm at any given time. I have 3 bone spurs. With great non operative healthy lifestyle choices I’ve been able to be active, birth 2 children, and still backpack and snowboard. I can’t run, do asymmetrical repetitious motion, extreme twisting, over stretching,...I can swim, but not high intensity twisting
What works for me, sensible shoes with zero drop, massage, physio, mental calming techniques, walking daily, yoga (gentle and opening, not crushing),....I avoid all drugs,... in grade 9 I was given a lot of pain meds,...I’ve just figured out what I can and cannot do, and how to notice when back tightening occurs and t release it before t become bad
Doctor, I have full gratitude of your video. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
I have a question regarding no limit on activities.
If the instability already leads to faster disc degeneration, is it concerning that full activities would deteriorate disc even faster and cause symptoms?
No it would be fine understanding that increasing activity may increase degeneration
Thanks for your great teaching. What would you recommend for a body builder who is newly diagnosed along with back pain. He was squatting 450 lbs... Are there exercises he needs to stop?
It depends on what the issue is and what is causing the back pain
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Thanks for answering, my son has bilateral par's fractures L5, slippage, back pain and some sciatic pain. His ortho doctor said he can't tell him this, but you should stop exercising and get better insurance which left him devastated and not sure what to do. He does have an appointment with PT. Question is what about weight lifting in the future? thanks
Finally I've found someone who is telling exactly what I'm going through. Thank you Dr. Su for these highly informative videos. I've bilateral L5 pars defects with grade 1 anterolisthesis of L5 on S1..plus Subchondral sclerosis of the right sacroiliac joint. Don't have much of nerve root compression and only get posterior left hip pain with prolonged sitting. The backache and pain in sacrum though is unbearable. I can barely walk, have restricted movements and feel like my spine can't bear my own weight. Can my symptoms improve with medication and PT? Can I get back to normal life activities?
Physical therapy is reasonable as are the other inventions discussed
what about muscle relaxers?
Hi Dr. Thank you so much for your video. I was diagnosed with Isthmic Spondy, forminal stenosis, and a herniated disc. I just would like to know if a herniated disc can heal from a grade 1 spondy. Thank you for your time and I really hope to hear back from you.
A herniated disc can definitely heal in the setting of a grade 1 spondy. I would probably watch the lumbar disc herniation set of videos because that is probably what is causing your leg pain if it is an acute disc herniation. As a disclaimer this should not be considered medical advice.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank you so much Dr 🙏
Dr , do u ever perform surgery for spondylolesthesis with an anterior approach if the anatomy allows???
Please watch the surgical treatment video. You will see that the anterior approach is preferred for an isthmic spondy
Thanks doc the info!! Couple of querries. Shall we have to stay in medication for life if they work? And are there any activity restrictions if pain goes away?
There are really no restrictions if you are pain free
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Thanks doctor. Glad to know that!!
Hi I have billateral pars defect ...grade 1 spondy I'm a boxer held back since diagnosis a year ago ...cosmy legs more so that back specially tingle even after a walk and lieing in pain
...should I still exercise with this legs pain especially calves both sides is it OK exercise is my life so hard top figure what to do as pain in bad
hi dr thanks for your informative video
can isthmic spondylolisthesis patients with weakness test of 4 recover after fusion surgery and have normal strong leg back and if so how long after surgery thanks
Yes weakness can recover depending on how permanently damaged the nerves are. It sounds like you need to see a spine surgeon
Is a grade 3 slippage on l5/s1 dangerous for a teenager? They have only given us a recommendation of surgery.
It is not dangerous if it's not causing pain
Thank you for the video! I was wondering how common is for isthmic spondylolisthesis to keep progressing? I (23F) was recently diagnosed with level 1 . Thank you!!
Patients with a grade one slip are unlikely to progress in terms of increased slippage. However, you can certainly progress with this degeneration and stenosis at that level. As a disclaimer this should not be considered medical advice and you should always consult your spine surgeon.
Hello Dr. Does this mean that people with isthmic spondylolisthesis even without grade progression will always/likely to have to deal with degerative spondy and need surgery later in life?
@@tedpattrawong2552 He explains this clearly in the video, that 90% of people with this condition will not need surgery. Many use medications, PT and by strengthening their core can keep symptoms in check. That being said, it doesn’t mean that it won’t get worse. I was just diagnosed with this, as well.
The surgeon we met with also warned that the nerves involved in the l5/s1 could result in loss of ability to control bowel function. Is this true?
Watch the videos on Cauda equina
Great video!! I have an L5 right side pars defect, a grade 1 spondy and an L5 bulged disk. Used to have some pain on my buttock and sometimes (the days I stood for a long time) in the outer side of my lower leg.
I’ve recently done a 10 sessions non surgical spinal decompression treatment and must say that the pain in my buttocks and leg has almost disappeared. Still have some back pain at the L5 right side but haven’t felt nerve pain since my 3rd or 4th session. This makes me think that the bulged disc (probably created by a bit of slippage) really got better and the whole foraminal area is now more open. What is your view on this? Would you think it makes sense this outcome? Would love to hear your views.
You can make a virtual appointment with me by calling California orthopedics and spine
How dangerous is grade 3 slippage in L2, L3, and L4? You only discuss L4 or L5.
Conceptually they are treated similarly
I also have been diagnosed with this. Can you communicate with me your treatments?
I'm 37 and have a Grade 3 with bilateral fracture. Lifelong wrestler and weightlifter. I'm so sick of this pain but I do not want to have surgery!!!
Same. Is there anyway we can communicate?
I think this has happened to me. I suffered with L5/S1 disc pain for 30 years (showed dark on MRI) then I felt my spine collapse (crash crash). There was a long period of severe pain (had to buy water bed to sleep) but now the centre L5/S1 disc pain has gone and I can do more without pain/weakness stopping me. I now have pain in the sides of my low spine. I'm thinking I should ask for an x-ray to see what has happened.
Hi doctor , i was recently diagnosted with L4 spondylolithesis isthmic bilateral ,pain comes and goes i sometimes handle it with paracetamol , i really need to know if i can still lift weights (i only do homewourkouts with a pair of dumbbells 10 to 12 kg ) if yes is there any exercises to avoid(like back row or squats ) ? And can i play soccer if i avoid to much contact ? I am really looking forward to your answer, THANK YOU .
There are no limitations. It is based on pain. As a disclaimer please consult your spine surgeon
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy THANK YOU SO MUCH
Hi Dr. Su, I love this video. I understand what you're saying I think about "breaking the cycle of inflammation", however, does this mean then after the 14 days of NSAIDS your inflammation is gone and you feel better? I am in a lot of pain and will begin the Aleve today.
Yes you should not take it longer than 14 days
Hi I am 74 and I am doing the 14 day Aleve that you speak of can I still ride my stationery bike or lay off untill after the 14 days I suffer from sciatica thanks
Yes
is foot weakness caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis the same foot drop?
Yes it is. That is the l5 nerve
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thanks dr 😊
Hello Doctor Brian,
Greetings and thank you for the wonderful explanation.
My age is 31 ,weight 80 Kgs 6 ft tall. I have been diagnosed with l5 spondylolysis and Grade 1 spondylolisthesis(anterolisthesis) L5 over s1. My symptoms include lower back pain or buttock pain(intense for 2 days and settles in 10 -14 days), No leg pain, no numbness. Non radiating and localised to only lower back or buttocks (might occur sometimes on left side though right side is more common). Usually starts when i spend a week sitting for long hours with my work.
It usually occurs once in 3 months and resolves sometimes with medications and sometimes without them. The problem has been ongoing since 6 years , though only recently diagnosed as earlier it used to ease out without any medicines in a week.
1) My question is if the symptoms continue to occur every 3 months what would be your suggestion ? can it be treated through non -operative methods?
2) is it advisable to take medicines once every 3 or 6 months?
Thanks in advance
It is common for symptoms to come on again and off again. You may want to consider an epidural injection if it becomes bothersome.
My doctor tells me that people rarely have a slip over 5 or 6 mm. What stops the slippage from progressing and what makes the slip progress to a high-grade spondylolithiasis and how common a higher grade slippages
When slips are below grade two they tend not to progress. Rather they usually reach a state of equilibrium. Past grade two they can certainly progress.
Is spinal decompression exercises recommended for this condition?
You can certainly try that. It may be helpful and it certainly will not be harmful. As a disclaimer consult your spine surgeon.
N de cesto hablar con el DR
So this cannot slip further? I am grade 2. Also what about the recommendations not to exceed 2 aleve in 24 hours? You suggest 4?
It is unlikely that it slips further.
To leave twice a day is okay. I wouldn't do it for more than 10 days. As a disclaimer please consult your doctor.
Why am i drunk, dizziness and of balance, if I use medicine I am very drunk and dizziness and it feels if movement is slow motion
Hi Dr. Su. Abi here from the Philippines. Is it safe to take CELCOXX for my mom who has hypertension and diabetes? Or should she stick to Ibuprofen? She has been taking CELCOXX on and off, on days when she has pain, but some days she bears through the pain and skips CELCOXX because I told her she cannot take it for 1 week straight. Thank you Doc, appreciate your advice.
I have a grade 2 spondy with a significant pars fracture. One of my newer symptoms that has just popped up recently is that I am stumbling a lot. Also when I walk I am pulling to the right. Should I be concerned?
Hi. May I ask you , do you know a cause of your pars fracture? Was it trauma, if so what kind of trauma? (Sorry for my english.)
Ibuprofen: 800mg, three times per day, for two weeks. I did not know this. This is like taking an anti-biotic: build up the level. Okay. Got it. Want to break the inflammation.
I am finding this very interesting and useful to confirm what I have learnt over the years. I've had a bilateral L5 Pars defect and L5-S1 spondylolisthesis for over 25 years. It has been managed conservatively with physio and osteopath care which has helped significantly up until this year. I am now getting weeks and months of back pain when I have an episode instead of a few days (pain meds have never done anything for me). I have to avoid ALL physical work that may irritate my back now while before I could work as normal. Bizarrely, the leg pain I get (when symptomatic which always correlates with back pain symptoms) is front inner thigh burning, hip pain and knee pain along with weakness in thigh attempting to stand. This is confusing my spine guy and I honestly think he's out of his depth. What are your thoughts on this please Doc?
You can always try getting a bilateral l5 selective nerve injection to see if it helps diagnostically. You can also make a virtual appointment with me at California orthopedics and spine
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thanks for the tip. I may end up making that appointment.
if pain isn't managed by steroid injections, PT, or meds ... does that mean surgery is the last resort? Even losing 20 lbs didn't help.
Cant beat chinese doctors