Spondylolisthesis Treatment in India

Robert Garcia, a 58-year-old construction foreman,...

Robert Garcia, a 58-year-old construction foreman, had always prided himself on his physical strength and ability to provide for his family. For the past two years, a persistent, deep ache in his lower back had been his constant companion, worsening to sharp, shooting pains down his left leg (sciatica) whenever he lifted materials or stood for long periods. He dismissed it as 'part of the job,' using over-the-counter pain relievers and trying to 'work through it,' terrified that admitting the pain might cost him his job. When he began experiencing numbness in his foot and a frightening episode where his leg briefly gave way on a ladder, his wife insisted he see a doctor. An MRI revealed a Grade 2 spondylolisthesis at L4-L5, where one vertebra had slipped forward over the one below, pinching the nerve. The spine surgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that due to the instability and progressive nerve symptoms, conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections were unlikely to provide lasting relief. He recommended a spinal fusion to stabilize the segment and decompress the nerve. The surgery, an L4-L5 posterolateral fusion with instrumentation, was daunting. Robert felt a profound sense of vulnerability, fearing he might not be the same provider afterward. The immediate post-op period was tough, with significant pain managed by medication, but the shooting leg pain was gone. His recovery required immense patience, three months of no bending, lifting, or twisting, followed by rigorous physical therapy. A year later, Robert has retired from heavy construction but works as a site supervisor. The deep ache is gone, and he has full strength back in his leg. He can play with his grandchildren without fear. Emotionally, he transitioned from a state of fearful denial and eroded self-worth to one of acceptance and adapted strength. He learned that his value wasn't solely in his physical labor, and he now champions workplace safety and early intervention for his crew.