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Cervical spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra in your neck is misaligned with its neighbor, creating vertebral instability that allows abnormal movement and causes pressure on nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, leading to neck pain, stiffness, radiating symptoms into the shoulders and arms, and in severe cases, weakness or walking difficulties. While most common in the lower back, cervical spine instability from spondylolisthesis typically results from neck injury, arthritis, infection, or degenerative changes associated with aging. Some people have a congenital defect called spina bifida occulta, where the vertebrae don't close completely, creating small gaps that may predispose them to this condition. At Wascher Cervical Spine Institute in Appleton, WI, Dr. Thomas Wascher has achieved a 99% improvement rate, treating over 252 cases.
Spondylolisthesis is most commonly detected in the lumbar region because that area bears the greatest stress. It is less common in the cervical or neck region. When it occurs in the neck, it may be traumatic spondylolisthesis from neck injury, or result from arthritis, infection, or degenerative spondylolisthesis from age-related changes in the cervical spine.
Some people with spondylolisthesis have a congenital defect in their cervical spine called spina bifida occulta. This is a condition where the vertebrae in the spinal column do not close completely, leaving small gaps in the bones. It is possible to have this congenital defect and not be aware of it.
Common Symptoms: Cervical spondylolisthesis characteristically causes neck pain and stiffness that radiates into the shoulders. If the slippage of the vertebra puts pressure on a nerve root exiting the spine or the spinal cord, it can cause numbness and tingling in the arms and hands as well as more serious symptoms. In severe cases, cervical spondylolisthesis can cause weakness, difficulty walking, or bowel and bladder incontinence.
Diagnostic Process: Cervical spine X-rays and MRIs are usually inadequate for diagnosing cervical spondylolisthesis. These are static imaging techniques that examine the spine from a single position. The best way to look for abnormal slippage of a vertebra is by taking flexion-extension X-rays of the neck. This dynamic X-ray technique captures images of the neck in flexion and extension, revealing any abnormal movement of the vertebrae. A flexion-extension MRI of the cervical spine is another option.
Mild cases of cervical spondylolisthesis may respond to conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy. An epidural steroid injection into the space around the spinal cord may be used to treat inflammation and relieve pain.
More severe cases may require decompression and fusion to reduce pressure on nerves in the spine and increase spinal stability. Cervical spine fusion, anterior cervical decompression, or posterior cervical decompression and fusion may be performed. Surgery may be required both anteriorly and posteriorly to provide adequate stability.
Vanessa had years of neck pain leaving her unable to even do her daily work. But with Dr. Wascher’s quick and timely intervention that included multiple viewings of MRIs, muscle and nerve tests, followed by a 3-Level Anterior Cervical Fusion, she is now happy without any neck issues. “I can happily say that by following the recommendations of Dr. Wascher, I am now pain-free,” says Vanessa as she talks about how great Dr. Wascher and his team were to work with.
When Nanette experienced deep pain in her shoulder, she got tests performed, only to discover that she, in fact, had issues with her neck instead. After a few MRIs and scans, she contacted Dr. Wascher, who told her that she has bone spurs going into the spinal cord. Within a span of 3 weeks, she was able to go through surgery and get on the road to recovery. “I cannot say enough about Dr. Wascher’s expertise and empathy”, says Nanette as she joins an ever-growing community of people who, through Dr. Wascher and his team, have found happiness again.
Dr. Thomas Wascher brings over 30 years of specialized cervical spine expertise to treating cervical spondylolisthesis. He has performed over 4,500 cervical spine surgeries during his career, with over 252 anterior-posterior cases achieving a 99% improvement rate. Dr. Wascher's microscopic surgical techniques result in smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery.
The practice offers free MRI reviews and second opinions at 5320 W. Michaels Dr., Appleton. Dr. Wascher graduated valedictorian from high school, college, and medical school, and has been recognized in America's Top Surgeons since 2007.
Cervical spondylolisthesis involves slippage of the vertebrae in the neck, causing neck pain and arm symptoms. Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis, the most common type, occurs at the L5-S1 junction in the lower back and can cause lower back pain and leg symptoms. Both are the same condition affecting different spinal regions, with lumbosacral being far more common due to the greater weight-bearing stress on the lower spine.
Cervical spondylolisthesis usually occurs secondary to neck injury, arthritis, infection, or degeneration of the cervical spine due to aging. Some people have a congenital defect called spina bifida occulta, where the vertebrae don't close completely, creating small gaps that may predispose them to vertebral slippage.
Mild cases of cervical spondylolisthesis may respond well to conservative treatments and become asymptomatic. More severe cases may require surgery to stabilize the spine and relieve nerve compression. While surgery can effectively address the instability and symptoms, the underlying structural changes remain.
Mild cases may respond to conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy. These approaches can reduce symptoms and improve function. However, if the vertebral slippage is severe or causing significant nerve or spinal cord compression, surgery may be necessary.
Surgery for cervical spondylolisthesis is generally very successful. At Wascher Cervical Spine Institute, Dr. Wascher has achieved a 99% improvement rate. Surgery stabilizes the spine through fusion and relieves pressure on compressed nerves or the spinal cord.