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Blind Skiers See The Light
About three hours west of Denver lies Snow Mountain Ranch, one of the top cross-country ski centers in the United States. Known as the "YMCA of the Rockies", it boasts a large ski chalet and over 90 kilometers of packed and groomed trails. From...

Golf Fitness Equipment For Your In-Home Program
Golf fitness equipment can be a variety of pieces; but what truly is golf fitness equipment? You'd be surprised to find out it is not expensive; and is not necessarily in a gym or health club either. Yes...there are golf "machines" for...

Landice Treadmill Review
If you're looking to buy a high end home treadmill (or a commercial grade treadmill) chances are you've heard the name 'Landice' thrown about quite a bit. That may leave you wondering 'Should I invest in a Landice treadmill?' Here's a quick review...

Slider - Sports Game for Kids
A slider can be an effective pitch and is often easier to throw than a curve. Start slow and mix it up. Practice the slider gently and easily at first. Slowly build up speed over time. Never go through a pitching warm-up throwing only sliders. Mix...

Success Doesn't Always Come Easy
On a raw, cold day in the European Alps, Lance Armstrong steered his bike into the sleeting snow, then stopped. His partner riding in the car behind him urged Lance to give it up for the day and return to the comfort of his shelter. But Lance...

 
What Is Spondylolisthesis And Do You Have It?

The spine has many vertabrae and spondylolisthesis is a degeneration of a articulating (exterior) part of the vertabrae that reduces its integrity, strength, support and flexibility. The articulating part that is affected is in the rear of the vertabrae and tends to be located in L5 or L4 of the lumbar (lower back). It can range from a rating of 1-5, 5 being the most severe and 1 the least.

Spondylolisthesis affects athletes in sports that require a wide range of movement and flexability. Adolescents may have this condition and not exhibit any symptoms. Whether the condition is a rating of 1 or 5, the patient may exhibit extreme discomfort, lack of mobility, even loss of sensation in an extremity (usually the left leg).

In cases of high levels of discomfort spinal fusion is the best course of treatment. Usually the lower vertebrae is fused to the affected vertabrae (ie. L4 and L5 are the most common to be fused) and held in place with titanium screws and either rods or a plate. The surgery can take 4 hours and is a very painful experience. The spinal fusion can take 6-12 months for recovery. The pain associated with the 1st month of recovery is quite extreme and will require mobility assistance, physical therapy and the use of a walker. It is important to note that no surgical


procedure is 100% successful in releaving all of the patients symptoms. This fusion procedure is documented to have an 80% success rate in alleviating all of the patients complaints and symptoms. At these levels most patients and their doctors concur that spinal fusion is the best option and the prognosis is relatively good. If you are considering a spinal fusion or have Spondylolisthesis seek the advice of a orthopedic surgeon.

Spondylolisthesis can cause great discomfort and tends to be brought on by physical accidents - falls, automotive accidents, etc... It can be a preexisting condition but is usually worsened due to the physical accident. Spinal fusion, therapy, and special exercises along with changes in routine can help to alleviate this condition. Spondylolisthesis can be cured and/or treated - early treatment is the key as it can lead to bone degeneration and loss of sensation when left untreated.

About the author:

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com, http://www.bestdomainsyahoo.com and http://www.mdwholesale.com.

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