Spondylolisthesis Treatment Options
What is spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra in the spine slips forward over the vertebra beneath it, often causing pain, instability, and limited mobility. This condition can develop due to age-related degeneration, congenital defects, trauma, or repetitive stress.
As a leading expert in minimally invasive spine surgery in New Orleans at Tulane Orthopedics, Dr. Mathew Cyriac specializes in diagnosing and treating spondylolisthesis using cutting-edge techniques designed to provide long-lasting relief while minimizing recovery time. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment can range from conservative measures to advanced surgical intervention.
In many cases, spondylolisthesis can be effectively managed without surgery. Dr. Cyriac offers a variety of non-surgical treatments that focus on relieving pain and improving spinal stability:
- Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve flexibility, helping to reduce pain and restore function.
- Pain Management: Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or epidural steroid injections may be recommended to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.
These non-invasive methods are often successful in managing mild to moderate cases of spondylolisthesis, allowing patients to avoid surgery altogether.
For patients with severe or progressive spondylolisthesis that does not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary to correct the misalignment and relieve nerve compression. Dr. Cyriac specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques that offer several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery times.
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion: This procedure stabilizes the affected vertebrae by fusing them using small incisions and specialized instruments. By limiting disruption to surrounding tissues, this approach allows for quicker healing and less postoperative pain.
- Decompression Surgery: In cases where nerve compression is causing significant pain or neurological symptoms, minimally invasive decompression techniques may be employed to remove excess bone or tissue pressing on the nerves, providing immediate relief.
Minimally invasive procedures offer significant benefits, especially for individuals seeking faster recovery and less downtime. Dr. Cyriac is committed to using advanced surgical technology to ensure precise and effective outcomes. Focusing on reducing patient discomfort and enhancing quality of life, his approach allows patients to return to daily activities sooner with less postoperative pain.
Personalized Spine Care in New Orleans
Dr. Mathew Cyriac is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in spine surgery. He specializes in the latest minimally invasive spine surgery techniques and advanced technologies, including robotics. He prioritizes a patient-centered approach, providing the information and guidance patients need to actively participate in their care. Through shared decision-making, he ensures that each treatment plan is tailored to the unique needs of his patients.
At a Glance
Dr. Mathew Cyriac
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon
- Trains Surgeons Nationwide in New Spine Techniques
- Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Tulane University
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