How to relieve neck pain from spondylolisthesis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have spondylolisthesis, and I have had it since I was born. Usually, I get really bad lower back and upper neck pain. Recently, I have been noticing extreme pain at the top of my back, just at the top of my shoulders, and in between them, that causes my neck pain to get a lot worse.

I am constantly popping and stretching my neck trying to feel better, and now I got woken up really early because my neck was hurting so bad. I literally woke up crying; it is really extremely painful, and I do not know what to do about it now.

I took Ibuprofen, and I am lying down flat on the floor with a pillow under my shoulders, and it is seeming to help a little. I have been to a chiropractor, but I have been so busy lately.

I have not been able to come in since I got my X-rays done. I just want to know what I can do at home before I can make it to the chiropractor to fix this and/or make it feel better.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your question carefully, and I want to start by saying that I am truly sorry you are experiencing such intense upper and lower back pain.

Waking up in tears from pain is a distressing experience, and, understandably, you are looking for some immediate relief.

Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do at home right now to fully address the underlying issue. There are some stabilizing exercises you can do once you are ready to do them, but your chiropractor will recommend those when the time is right for your specific condition.

For the best results, you are going to have to make time to visit your chiropractor; otherwise, you are only jeopardizing your own health. I understand life gets busy, but your spine health truly needs to be a priority at this point, given the severity of what you are describing.

Additionally, I would strongly suggest that you stop popping and stretching your neck. Just because you are able to get a pop does not mean you are adjusting yourself correctly.

Many times, patients who self-adjust only make their condition and symptoms worse, and it will then take even longer for the chiropractor to correct the problem properly.

If you were my patient, I would perform a thorough chiropractic examination and would most likely recommend chiropractic adjustments and targeted exercises suited to your condition.

Since you are not my patient, I recommend that you go back to a local chiropractor for treatment and proper care as soon as possible.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Regards.