Hi, I have grade 2 isthmic spondylolishesis. It compressed the root nerves and motor nerves to my legs, impacting my ability to walk normal. I developed a bad cerebral palsy-type gait I couldn't control. I had up to that point, been in a long going pettibon program with my chiro, and doing very well. Until the day my legs went heavy and sluggish for the first time. I had an mri, and it was said I needed immediate surgery to relieve my significant bi-lateral root nerve compression and severe, bi-lateral foraminal stenosis at L5/S1. I can't remember if my spondy was stable or instable, it's been so long ago. My spondy went symptomatic in my early 30's. I had open back fusion surgery in Feb of 2010. Anytime you fuse your back you're altering it, potentially causing ASD (adjacent segment disease) later on due to it. It's been 12 1/2 years since my fusion surgery. I feel I've been doing well until a week ago. Then all my beginning symptoms came back, and have stayed. I had a MRI of my back a couple days ago. Awaiting the report to see if my adjacent levels to my fusion may be having serious problems. Just consider all your options, don't jump into anything until you know it's the right choice for you!!
Hi. I actually think doctors around me do not immediately go to surgery. They start with non surgical attempts and often it is healed this way. I had something similar with a him as you describe. I'd start to get better, it would then get wrecked again with a slight movement. However, it's now been over 6 months, knock on wood. Seems to be fine. Feels so dumb when you end up with a long standing issue to deal with by just walking through your back yard and getting your heel stuck in a hole like I did. Ya, that sounds stupid just saying it. But that's what happened and then it was all sorts of small movements after that which kept re agitating the injury. I would strongly recommend a physical therapist. They can do a heck of a lot to get us back in action. They help strengthen, stretch and heal. They use heat and massage too. Sometimes steroid shots are given. But I'd personally always try this before going the invasive surgery route. Here's a study to look at. https://journals.lww.com/clinorthop/Fulltext/2006/02000/Treatment_of_Instability_and_Spondylolisthesis_.30.aspx