Back pain can affect nearly every aspect of daily life, especially when it is caused by a spinal condition like spondylolisthesis. If persistent back pain, leg pain, or numbness is interfering with your routine, seeing a Spine Specialist may be an important step toward finding answers. At Nadora Healthcare, Dr. Scott Dhupar is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who evaluates and treats a wide range of spinal conditions, including spondylolisthesis.
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it. This shift can place pressure on the spinal nerves, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. The condition can develop for several reasons, including age-related degeneration, stress fractures, congenital spinal differences, or traumatic injuries.
Many people experience mild cases with few symptoms, while others may develop chronic pain that worsens over time. Common symptoms of spondylolisthesis include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks or legs
- Tingling or numbness in the legs
- Muscle tightness or hamstring stiffness
- Weakness in the legs
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
Because these symptoms may overlap with other spinal conditions, an evaluation by a Spine Specialist can help determine the underlying cause and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
Why See Dr. Scott Dhupar for Spondylolisthesis?
Dr. Scott Dhupar is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Nadora Healthcare with extensive experience diagnosing and treating spinal disorders. His specialized training allows him to evaluate complex spine conditions while developing personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
During your evaluation, Dr. Dhupar will perform a thorough physical examination, review your medical history, and may recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans. These studies help determine the severity of the vertebral slippage, identify nerve compression, and evaluate the overall health of the spine.
As a trusted Spine Specialist, Dr. Dhupar focuses on helping patients understand their diagnosis and explore treatment options that are appropriate for their individual condition.
Treatment Options for Spondylolisthesis
Treatment for spondylolisthesis depends on several factors, including the degree of slippage, symptom severity, and how much the condition is affecting daily activities.
Many patients improve with conservative treatment options, which may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Guided exercise programs
- Spinal injections when appropriate
If symptoms continue despite nonsurgical care or if significant nerve compression or spinal instability is present, surgery may be considered. Surgical treatment often focuses on relieving pressure on the affected nerves while stabilizing the spine. Dr. Dhupar carefully evaluates whether surgery is appropriate and discusses the potential benefits, risks, and recovery process with each patient.
The goal is always to reduce pain, improve function, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy whenever possible.
When to Schedule an Evaluation with a Spine Specialist
You should consider scheduling an appointment if your back pain lasts several weeks, continues to worsen, or is accompanied by leg pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking. Early evaluation can help identify spinal problems before they become more severe and may expand the range of treatment options available.
Dr. Scott Dhupar works closely with patients to create individualized care plans designed around their unique needs. Whether conservative treatment or surgical care is recommended, patients receive comprehensive guidance throughout every stage of their care.
If you have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis or are experiencing persistent symptoms that may be related to spinal instability, Dr. Scott Dhupar at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help. As a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and experienced Spine Specialist, he is committed to providing comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help patients move more comfortably and improve their quality of life.
