I am grateful for your work. It is a beautiful thing what you are sharing.
I have worked as professional athlete (mountain guide) for 25 years and I am now 47. In October I suddenly experienced lower back stiffness and was unable to bend forward comfortably, only sideways without discomfort. This did not go away with the usual body work/massage and stretching. Eventually I saw my D.O. and after an evaluation he suggested an x-ray.
The x-ray revealed a 9mm anterior slip of my L4 vertebrae on top of L5. He then suggested a CT scan to see if I had a pars defect, but the radiologist report indicated there were no abnormalities or fractures to indicate spondylothesis. We believe it is an old injury from a bad, bouncing fall on my tailbone that I sustained almost 3 years ago.
Since the beginning I have been 100% focused on strengthening to stabilize my spine with PT exercises and adamant on avoiding any surgery. After 3 months of being restful compared to my normal activity, I got back to ski guiding and seemed to be doing pretty well. However in having a follow-up x-ray in May (1st one was in December), it revealed another 2mm slippage bringing L4 to 11mm anterior to L5. The disk space has been preserved as indicated on the report.
Considering that L4 is over 1cm out of place on L5, I am very fortunate that I have no sciatica or any symptoms other than occasional tweaks of pain in my upper hip/back area.
Because my work is so physical, I am resting more than usual and doing everything I can to stabilize. My coach at the Mountain Athlete, gave me your book and suggested it might help. I am through the 3rd lesson, have watched your Youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yYJ4hEYudE, and I am incredibly excited to have found you!
My question (sorry for the long post) is... because my L4 is FORWARD, will anteverting my pelvis compromise my spine stability?
When I do my back exercises, I've been advised to tilt my pelvis forward to keep everything tight, and it certainly seems to be the only way my back will tolerate a forward plank. Is tilting the pelvis forward in my case a good idea when doing PT exercises, but then when sitstretching, etc. and normal activity should I always strive to keep my pelvis anteverted?
Thank you again for your expertise and guidance! I can't read your book fast enough!
I have worked as professional athlete (mountain guide) for 25 years and I am now 47. In October I suddenly experienced lower back stiffness and was unable to bend forward comfortably, only sideways without discomfort. This did not go away with the usual body work/massage and stretching. Eventually I saw my D.O. and after an evaluation he suggested an x-ray.
The x-ray revealed a 9mm anterior slip of my L4 vertebrae on top of L5. He then suggested a CT scan to see if I had a pars defect, but the radiologist report indicated there were no abnormalities or fractures to indicate spondylothesis. We believe it is an old injury from a bad, bouncing fall on my tailbone that I sustained almost 3 years ago.
Since the beginning I have been 100% focused on strengthening to stabilize my spine with PT exercises and adamant on avoiding any surgery. After 3 months of being restful compared to my normal activity, I got back to ski guiding and seemed to be doing pretty well. However in having a follow-up x-ray in May (1st one was in December), it revealed another 2mm slippage bringing L4 to 11mm anterior to L5. The disk space has been preserved as indicated on the report.
Considering that L4 is over 1cm out of place on L5, I am very fortunate that I have no sciatica or any symptoms other than occasional tweaks of pain in my upper hip/back area.
Because my work is so physical, I am resting more than usual and doing everything I can to stabilize. My coach at the Mountain Athlete, gave me your book and suggested it might help. I am through the 3rd lesson, have watched your Youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yYJ4hEYudE, and I am incredibly excited to have found you!
My question (sorry for the long post) is... because my L4 is FORWARD, will anteverting my pelvis compromise my spine stability?
When I do my back exercises, I've been advised to tilt my pelvis forward to keep everything tight, and it certainly seems to be the only way my back will tolerate a forward plank. Is tilting the pelvis forward in my case a good idea when doing PT exercises, but then when sitstretching, etc. and normal activity should I always strive to keep my pelvis anteverted?
Thank you again for your expertise and guidance! I can't read your book fast enough!
5 hours 58 min ago
09/10/2008 - 8:36pm
8 months 1 week ago
08/01/2010 - 7:24pm
14 years 4 months ago
07/16/2010 - 8:42am
Brand new here, found your post because I also was just this week reported to have 9mm anterolisthesis at L4-L5. . Believe it's been developing that way for 10 years (pain for 5 years) but only now could get MRI. In shape for age 50, don't smoke, etc. Now being sent to a neurosurgeon. Of course a neurosurgeon who believes in self will recommend surgery. But my listhesis creates "severe stenosis," (MRI report) both central and foraminal canals. Other spots in spine "unremarkable" for my age, except for few bulges, which are nothing compared with this. I can hold forward planks for 2.5 min, along with many of the other "therapies" I find on Youtube, but I can't walk two blocks without level 5 hip, LB, leg, pain then to 7 and 8 if I keep walking. Sitting is instant relief . Anyone think PT is still the way to go?
thanks,
mikeB