Addison, TX
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(214) 271-4585Back pain can be caused by many factors, and Bertolotti’s syndrome is a commonly missed source. This condition is caused by an anomaly in the spine, which leads to discomfort that can mimic other back pain conditions. Bertolotti’s syndrome affects people differently, and there are several treatments available for addressing the various symptoms.
People with Bertolotti’s syndrome have a variation in their fifth lumbar vertebra called the lumbosacral transitional vertebra. Part of this bone fuses with the ilium or sacrum, generating pain and interfering with normal function.
Normally, people have a disc between the last vertebra and the sacrum, which allows for freedom of movement. However, people with Bertolotti’s syndrome have a partial disc or no disc at all. This is known as a pseudo or transitional joint.
While this condition isn’t disabling, the anomaly can cause degeneration, inflammation and deformity. As bones rub together, they cause discomfort. The resulting swelling puts pressure on the L5 nerve root, which is one of the foundations of the sciatic nerve.
Bertolotti’s syndrome can significantly affect your quality of life. The spinal misalignment can lead to muscle imbalances, arthritic conditions, disc degeneration or herniation or stenosis.
People with Bertolotti’s syndrome are born with a fused L5 joint. This is thought to occur in about 10 to 20% of the population.
The joint fusion will show up in an X-ray. People who have no signs of Bertolotti’s symptoms might find out that they have some L5 fusion when they undergo X-rays for another issue, such as an accident.
Many people with this anomaly never present with symptoms and don’t require any intervention. However, when symptoms are present and sacralization is identified, Bertolotti’s syndrome is the diagnosis. Even though you’re born with the condition, you may not start to feel symptoms until your 20s or 30s.
To diagnose Bertolotti’s, your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination to explore the movements that cause pain and discomfort. They’ll look for pain that increases with standing up from sitting or walking. They will often conduct a straight leg raise test to evaluate the level and location of the pain. Using those indicators as well as your medical history and X-rays, they may conclude that the pseudo joint at L5 is generating your pain.
This is often a relief for patients who have searched for a cause for their back pain. An accurate diagnosis allows your doctor to develop an effective treatment plan.
There is a wide range of treatment options available for Bertolotti’s syndrome. At the offices of Dr. Craig Callewart, we customize our treatments to your needs.
Some of the more conservative treatments for Bertolotti’s syndrome include:
Lumbar fusion is one of the most common surgical treatments for Bertolotti’s. This involves fixing the bones together so that they don’t rub against the pelvis and cause pain.
A laminotomy is often used to remove a spiny arch from the vertebrae to create more space for spinal movement. For Bertolotti’s, a laminectomy, which is the complete removal of the lamina, can relieve some of the symptoms.
It can be frustrating to deal with back pain, especially when you don’t know the source of the problem. At the offices of Dr. Craig Callewart, we can help you identify the issue and provide targeted solutions for getting you back on track. Identifying or ruling out Bertolotti’s is an essential step in the process.
Contact the offices of Dr. Callewart to get a diagnosis for mild to severe back pain. We provide comprehensive treatment and continuity of care to ensure that you get the relief that you deserve.
Most patients experiencing pain can be seen by Dr. Callewart or his physician assistant within 24 hours in Dallas, Forney, Rockwall and Addison, Texas.
Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
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