Retrolisthesis, degenerative disc problem

Retrolisthesis, degenerative disc problem

Q:

I am 26 and have been suffering chronic back pain for about seven years. I have seen several orthopedic surgeons, most recently in September. He is the first one to pinpoint my problem/s. He found an L4-5 and L5-s1 disc problem, L5-s1 retrolisthesis, and evidence of vertebral end plate disease at the upper and lower thoracic elements, possibly reflecting a mild Scheuermann's disease. He said my options were either yoga or surgery, and that I should try yoga first. I feel like there have to be other options. My back is sore fairly constantly, and when I attempt to exercise on a regular basis, the pain becomes intense, usually accompanied by tightness and spasms. Working out seems to help for a couple of weeks, and then the real trouble sets in. The doctor couldn't understand this. Do I have any options? I need to exercise, and I am tired of the pain, not only from exercise, but from sitting, and just about everything. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-- billups

A:

First, you may want to ask your surgeon how he knows that you have a disc problem. Is this documented on MRI. Do you have a herniated disc or just a degenerative disc?

Second, what grade is your retrolisthesis? And why do you have it? Is is associated with fractures of the pars articularis? If it is due to pars fractures, then exercises, particularly extension exercises would exacerbate your pain.

I pesonally feel that a good lumbar exercise program is needed. However, without knowing all the above, it would be difficult to design an appropriate lumbar stabilizing and strengthening program to help with your back pain.

-- Sherman Nam Tran, M. D.

to ask Dr. Tran.