Spondylolisthesis — বাংলায় ক্লিনিক্যাল, ড্রাগ ও বাংলাদেশি ব্র্যান্ডসহ নোট
Important clinical note: নিচের dose adult average dose; renal disease, liver disease, pregnancy, elderly, peptic ulcer, anticoagulant use, cardiac disease, diabetes বা neurological deficit থাকলে dose/medicine অবশ্যই individualize করতে হবে। Spondylolisthesis-এ medicine vertebral slip ঠিক করে না—pain, inflammation, muscle spasm ও radicular/nerve pain control করে; মূল চিকিৎসা হলো activity modification, physiotherapy, follow-up imaging, এবং selected case-এ injection/surgery.
1. Definition — সংজ্ঞা
Spondylolisthesis হলো spine-এর একটি vertebra তার নিচের vertebra-এর তুলনায় সামনে, পাশে বা পিছনের দিকে সরে যাওয়া। সবচেয়ে বেশি দেখা যায় L4–L5 বা L5–S1 level-এ। Degenerative spondylolisthesis সাধারণত older adult, especially female patient-এ বেশি; এতে spinal canal narrowing/stenosis হয়ে neurogenic claudication হতে পারে।
Meyerding grading:
| Grade | Slip percentage |
| Grade I | <25% |
| Grade II | 25–50% |
| Grade III | 50–75% |
| Grade IV | 75–100% |
| Grade V / Spondyloptosis | complete slip |
2. Causes / Etiology — কারণগুলো
A. Isthmic spondylolisthesis
- Pars interarticularis defect/fracture থেকে হয়।
- Adolescent athlete, cricket fast bowler, gymnast, footballer, weightlifter—যাদের repetitive lumbar extension হয়—তাদের ঝুঁকি বেশি।
- Usually L5–S1 level-এ common.
B. Degenerative spondylolisthesis
- বয়সজনিত disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis, ligament laxity থেকে vertebra ধীরে ধীরে slip করে।
- বেশি দেখা যায় middle-aged/elderly female-এ, often L4–L5 level.
- spinal stenosis ও walking pain/claudication হতে পারে।
C. Congenital / Dysplastic
- জন্মগতভাবে facet joint বা posterior arch abnormal হলে spine unstable হয়।
D. Traumatic
- সরাসরি trauma/fracture-এর কারণে vertebra slip করতে পারে।
E. Pathological
- Tumor, infection, osteoporosis, metabolic bone disease spine দুর্বল করে slip তৈরি করতে পারে।
F. Iatrogenic
- Previous spine surgery, especially decompression/laminectomy-এর পর instability তৈরি হলে হতে পারে।
3. Pathophysiology — রোগটি কীভাবে সমস্যা করে
- Vertebra slip করলে disc, facet joint, ligament-এর ওপর abnormal mechanical stress পড়ে।
- Neural foramen বা spinal canal narrow হলে nerve root compression হয়।
- এর ফলে low back pain, radicular leg pain, numbness, weakness, neurogenic claudication হতে পারে।
- Lumbar extension করলে canal/foramen আরও narrow হতে পারে, তাই অনেক patient extension বা walking-এ pain বেশি বলে।
4. Symptoms — লক্ষণগুলো
Pain-related symptoms
- কোমরের নিচের দিকে chronic বা intermittent pain
- দাঁড়ালে, হাঁটলে, পেছনে বাঁকালে pain বাড়ে
- বসলে বা সামনে ঝুঁকলে pain কমতে পারে
- Buttock pain বা posterior thigh pain
Nerve compression symptoms
- পায়ে ব্যথা ছড়িয়ে যাওয়া — sciatica/radicular pain
- পায়ে ঝিনঝিনি, numbness, burning sensation
- পায়ের weakness
- হাঁটলে পা ভারী লাগে, বসলে আরাম — neurogenic claudication
Physical/functional symptoms
- Hamstring tightness
- Gait abnormality
- কোমরে “step-off” অনুভব হতে পারে
- Lumbar lordosis/postural change হতে পারে
Red flag symptoms — emergency
- নতুন bladder/bowel dysfunction
- Saddle anesthesia
- Progressive foot drop/weakness
- Fever, weight loss, night pain
- Trauma history
- Known cancer/infection suspicion
Cauda equina-type symptom থাকলে urgent referral/emergency MRI দরকার।
5. Clinical Diagnosis — clinically কীভাবে diagnosis করবেন
A. History
- Pain duration, site, radiation
- Standing/walking/extension-এ pain বাড়ে কিনা
- Sitting/flexion-এ relief হয় কিনা
- Trauma, sports, heavy lifting history
- Previous spine surgery
- Neurological symptom: numbness, weakness, bladder/bowel problem
- Red flag: fever, weight loss, cancer, infection, night pain
B. Examination
- Posture, gait, lumbar lordosis
- Lumbar range of motion
- Palpable step-off at lumbosacral area
- Hamstring tightness
- Neurological exam:
- Motor: L2–S1 myotomes
- Sensory: dermatomes
- Reflex: knee jerk, ankle jerk
- Straight leg raise / femoral stretch test
- Stork test / single-leg hyperextension test: pars stress pain suggestive, especially adolescent athlete.
6. Investigations — specific test
First-line imaging
1. Standing AP & lateral X-ray lumbosacral spine
- Slip confirm করতে
- Meyerding grade measure করতে
- Standing view বেশি useful, কারণ supine position-এ slip reduce হয়ে underdiagnosis হতে পারে।
2. Flexion–extension lateral X-ray
- Dynamic instability আছে কিনা দেখতে
- Surgery planning বা persistent pain-এ useful
Advanced imaging
3. MRI lumbosacral spine
Indication:
- Radicular pain
- Neurological deficit
- Neurogenic claudication
- Suspected spinal stenosis/disc prolapse
- Conservative treatment fail
- Preoperative assessment
Degenerative spondylolisthesis-এ stenosis/nerve root impingement confirm করতে MRI preferred non-invasive test।
4. CT scan
Indication:
- Pars defect detail দেখতে
- Bony anatomy
- Preoperative planning
- MRI contraindicated হলে
5. CT myelography
- MRI contraindicated বা inconclusive হলে stenosis/nerve compression evaluate করতে use করা যায়।
6. SPECT / bone scan
- Adolescent athlete-এ early pars stress injury সন্দেহ কিন্তু X-ray normal হলে useful হতে পারে।
Laboratory test
Routine spondylolisthesis diagnosis-এ lab লাগে না। তবে red flag থাকলে:
- CBC, ESR, CRP — infection/malignancy suspicion
- Calcium, vitamin D, renal profile — osteoporosis/metabolic risk
- DEXA scan — elderly/postmenopausal/fragility fracture suspicion
7. Differential Diagnosis
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Facet joint arthropathy
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Ankylosing spondylitis / inflammatory back pain
- Vertebral compression fracture
- Discitis/osteomyelitis/TB spine
- Spinal tumor/metastasis
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Peripheral neuropathy
8. Complications — রোগের জটিলতা
- Progressive vertebral slip: grade বাড়তে পারে, especially high-grade/young patient.
- Chronic low back pain: daily activity, sleep, work affected হয়।
- Radiculopathy: nerve root pressure হয়ে leg pain, numbness, tingling হয়।
- Spinal stenosis: হাঁটলে পা ব্যথা/ভারী লাগে; বসলে কমে।
- Motor weakness/foot drop: severe nerve compression হলে।
- Cauda equina syndrome: bladder/bowel dysfunction, saddle anesthesia—emergency.
- Postural deformity/gait problem: hamstring tightness, sagittal imbalance.
- Surgical complications: infection, bleeding, dural tear, hardware failure, adjacent segment disease—selected surgical cases-এ possible.
9. Treatment Management — guideline-based
A. Non-pharmacological treatment — first-line
Most low-grade symptomatic spondylolisthesis-এ first-line হলো conservative treatment: activity modification, pain control, physiotherapy, core stabilization, hamstring stretching, lumbar flexibility, follow-up।
Core treatment
- Relative rest: complete bed rest নয়
- Pain-provoking hyperextension, heavy lifting, jumping, twisting avoid
- Physiotherapy:
- Core stabilization
- Pelvic tilt exercise
- Hamstring stretching
- Hip flexor stretching
- Gluteal strengthening
- Neutral-spine training
- Weight reduction if overweight
- Heat/ice short-term symptom relief
- Brace: selected adolescent/isthmic symptomatic case-এ short-term use
- Patient education: active lifestyle maintain করা; fear-avoidance কমানো
NICE low back pain guideline অনুযায়ী non-specialist setting-এ routine imaging করা উচিত নয়; imaging তখনই করা উচিত যখন result management change করবে। NSAID lowest effective dose, shortest duration—এটাই recommended; paracetamol alone low back pain-এর জন্য recommended নয়।
10. Bangladesh Doctors commonly prescription-এ যে drug groups use করেন
Prescription pattern — কেন use হয়
- NSAID + PPI
- Mechanical/inflammatory low back pain কমাতে
- PPI দেওয়া হয় gastritis/ulcer risk কমাতে
- Example: Aceclofenac/Diclofenac/Naproxen/Etoricoxib + Pantoprazole/Esomeprazole
- Muscle relaxant
- Painful paraspinal muscle spasm থাকলে
- Example: Tolperisone, Tizanidine
- Neuropathic pain medicine
- Radicular burning pain, tingling, numbness থাকলে
- Example: Pregabalin/Gabapentin
- Note: NICE sciatica/low back pain guideline routine gabapentinoid, oral steroid, benzodiazepine use discourage করে; তাই monitored short trial/selected patient-এ specialist judgment দরকার।
- Short-term opioid-like analgesic
- Acute severe pain, NSAID contraindicated/ineffective হলে
- Example: Tramadol or Paracetamol + Tramadol
- Chronic use avoid
- Epidural steroid injection
- Acute severe sciatica/radicular pain with nerve compression হলে pain/spine specialist দিতে পারে; routine axial low back pain-এর জন্য নয়। NICE severe acute sciatica-এ epidural local anaesthetic + steroid consider করতে বলে।
11. Pharmacological drugs — Bangladesh brandসহ
MedEx Bangladesh medicine directory হিসেবে Bangladesh-available brand/strength verify করা হয়েছে; brand availability time-to-time বদলাতে পারে।
A. Analgesic / NSAID group
| Generic name | Therapeutic category | Pharmacological class | Bangladesh available brand examples | Why used | Adult dose & duration | Side effects | Important interaction/caution |
| Paracetamol | Non-opioid analgesic, antipyretic | Central prostaglandin/COX pathway analgesic | Napa 500 mg, Napa Extend 665 mg, Napa One 1000 mg, Feva 500/1000 mg, Fast 500 mg, Pyrex 500 mg, Tamino 500 mg/ER 665 mg | Mild pain; NSAID contraindicated হলে safer option | 500 mg 6–8 hourly PRN; max usually 3 g/day; 3–5 days | Liver toxicity overdose, nausea, rash | Alcohol, liver disease, warfarin long-term use caution |
| Ibuprofen | NSAID analgesic | Non-selective COX inhibitor | Flamex 200/400 mg, Intaflam 400 mg, Neurofen 400 mg, Profen 400 mg, Reumafen 200/400 mg | Acute inflammatory back pain | 400 mg TID after food; 3–5 days | Gastritis, ulcer, renal injury, BP rise, edema | Anticoagulant, steroid, ACEi/ARB+diuretic, CKD, PUD caution |
| Naproxen | NSAID analgesic | Non-selective COX inhibitor | Naproxen 500 mg, Naproxen SR 500 mg, Naproxin 250/500 mg, Napsod 275/550 mg, Naxin 250/500 mg/SR 500 mg | Longer-acting NSAID for mechanical/inflammatory pain | 250–500 mg BID after food; 5–7 days | GI bleed, renal injury, edema | Avoid multiple NSAIDs; caution anticoagulant, CKD, heart failure |
| Aceclofenac | NSAID analgesic | COX inhibitor, phenylacetic acid derivative | Carepain 100 mg, Ceclofen 100 mg, Dolonac 100 mg, Ectinac 100 mg, Flexi 100 mg/SR 200 mg, Flexivan 100 mg/ER 200 mg | Commonly used for low back pain/inflammation | 100 mg BID after food; 5–7 days | Dyspepsia, ulcer, renal risk, dizziness | Warfarin/DOAC, steroid, SSRI, ACEi/ARB+diuretic caution |
| Diclofenac sodium | NSAID analgesic | Non-selective COX inhibitor | Diclorex 50 mg/75 mg IM/RTD 100 mg, Diclovir 50 mg/SR 100 mg, Dilock 50 mg/SR/TR 100 mg, Fastfit gel 1%, Fengel gel 1%, Proflam 50/SR 100 mg | Acute severe inflammatory pain; gel for localized pain | Oral 50 mg BID–TID after food, max 150 mg/day; 3–5 days. Gel local 2–4 times/day | Gastritis, GI bleed, renal injury, ↑CV risk | Avoid IHD/stroke/high CV risk if possible; anticoagulant/steroid caution |
| Etoricoxib | NSAID analgesic | Selective COX-2 inhibitor | Eroflam 60/90/120 mg, Etocox 90/120 mg, Etonil 60/90/120 mg, Etorica 60/90/120 mg, Etovan 60/90/120 mg | NSAID needed but GI risk relatively concern; acute pain | 60 mg OD; severe short-term 90 mg OD; 3–7 days | BP rise, edema, dyspepsia, renal injury, CV risk | Avoid uncontrolled HTN, IHD, stroke, HF; warfarin caution |
NSAID rule: একসাথে ২টা NSAID নয়। NSAID সবসময় lowest effective dose + shortest duration। Peptic ulcer, CKD, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, anticoagulant use, pregnancy third trimester—এগুলোতে avoid/consult. NICE NSAID ব্যবহারে এই shortest-duration principle recommend করে।
B. Gastroprotection — NSAID দিলে commonly used
| Generic name | Therapeutic category | Pharmacological class | Bangladesh available brand examples | Why used | Adult dose & duration | Side effects | Interaction/caution |
| Pantoprazole | Anti-ulcerant | Proton pump inhibitor, H+/K+ ATPase inhibitor | Pantodac 20/40 mg, Pantogen 20/40 mg, Pantogut 20/40 mg/IV 40 mg, Pantolok 20/40 mg/IV, Pantonix 20/40 mg/IV, Pantopra 20/40 mg, Protozin 20/40 mg | NSAID-induced gastritis/ulcer risk কমাতে | 20–40 mg OD before breakfast during NSAID course; often 1–2 weeks | Headache, diarrhea/constipation, hypomagnesemia long-term | Clopidogrel interaction less than omeprazole but still review; long-term unnecessary use avoid |
| Esomeprazole | Anti-ulcerant | Proton pump inhibitor | Esonix 40 mg, Esonix IV 40 mg, Esoral IV 40 mg/oral powder 20 mg, Esosav 20/40 mg | Gastric protection with NSAID; GERD/gastritis | 20 mg OD; 1–2 weeks with NSAID, GERD হলে 4–8 weeks | Headache, nausea, diarrhea, B12/Mg issue long-term | Clopidogrel interaction concern; long-term overuse avoid |
C. Muscle relaxant group
| Generic name | Therapeutic category | Pharmacological class | Bangladesh available brand examples | Why used | Adult dose & duration | Side effects | Interaction/caution |
| Tolperisone | Skeletal muscle relaxant | Centrally acting muscle relaxant | A-Calm 50 mg, Mexaton 50 mg, Musclex 50 mg, Myoson 100 mg, Myotol 50 mg, Myoxan 50 mg, Rison 50 mg, Tolcalm 50 mg, Tolson 50/100 mg | Paraspinal muscle spasm, painful stiffness | 50–150 mg TID after food; 5–10 days | Dizziness, weakness, nausea, hypersensitivity | Alcohol/sedatives caution; driving avoid if dizzy |
| Tizanidine | Skeletal muscle relaxant | Central α2-adrenergic agonist | Relentus 2 mg, Sirdalud 2 mg, Tizadin 2 mg, Tizalex 2 mg, Tizalud 2 mg, Tizan 2 mg, Tizanac 2 mg | Significant muscle spasm, night spasm | Start 2 mg HS or 2 mg TID; short 3–7 days; titrate carefully | Sleepiness, dizziness, hypotension, dry mouth, liver enzyme rise | Avoid ciprofloxacin/fluvoxamine; alcohol, benzodiazepine, antihypertensive caution |
D. Neuropathic / radicular pain group
| Generic name | Therapeutic category | Pharmacological class | Bangladesh available brand examples | Why used | Adult dose & duration | Side effects | Interaction/caution |
| Pregabalin | Neuropathic pain agent, anticonvulsant | Gabapentinoid; α2δ calcium-channel ligand | Nervaid 50/75 mg, Nervalin 50/75 mg, Pregaran 50/75 mg, Prelica 25/75/150 mg & CR 82.5/165 mg, Prelin 25/50/75/100/150 mg, Rebalin 25/50/75 mg, Regab 25/50/75/100/150 mg | Burning radicular pain, tingling, numbness—selected patient | Start 50 mg TID or 75 mg BID; usual 150–300 mg/day; reassess 2–4 weeks; taper ≥1 week | Dizziness, somnolence, weight gain, edema, blurred vision | Opioid/benzodiazepine/alcohol → respiratory depression/sedation; renal dose adjust |
| Gabapentin | Neuropathic pain agent, anticonvulsant | Gabapentinoid; α2δ calcium-channel ligand | Gaba 300 mg, Gabahil 100/300 mg, Gabamax 300 mg, Gabantin 100/300 mg, Gabapen 100/300 mg, Gabatin 300 mg, Neurotin 300 mg | Radicular neuropathic pain if selected | Day 1: 300 mg HS; Day 2: 300 mg BID; Day 3: 300 mg TID; titrate 900–1800 mg/day; reassess 2–4 weeks | Dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, edema, weight gain, somnolence | Antacid reduces absorption; opioid/sedative caution; renal dose adjust |
| Duloxetine | Neuropathic pain agent, antidepressant | SNRI | Diliner DR 20/30 mg, Dulox 20/30 mg, Duloxen 20/30/60 mg, Loxetine 20/30 mg, Stresin 20/30 mg, Xinolax DR 20/30/60 mg | Chronic pain with neuropathic feature/anxiety-depression overlap—selected case | 30 mg OD 1 week, then 60 mg OD; reassess 4–6 weeks | Nausea, insomnia/somnolence, sweating, BP rise, sexual dysfunction | Avoid MAOI/linezolid; caution SSRI/tramadol—serotonin syndrome; liver disease caution |
| Amitriptyline | Neuropathic pain agent, antidepressant | Tricyclic antidepressant | Amilin 10/25 mg, Amit 10/25 mg, Amitip 10/25 mg, Amtylin 10/25 mg, Reptylin 10/25 mg, Tryptin 10 mg | Night pain, sleep disturbance with neuropathic pain—selected case | 10–25 mg HS; increase weekly if needed; usual 25–75 mg HS | Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, sedation, QT prolongation | Avoid glaucoma/BPH/arrhythmia; caution elderly; avoid with MAOI, tramadol/SSRI serotonin risk |
Guideline caution: NICE NG59 sciatica/low back pain-এ routine gabapentinoids, oral steroids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants discourage করে; তাই pregabalin/gabapentin/duloxetine/amitriptyline indiscriminate use না করে radicular neuropathic pain phenotype, risk–benefit, renal function ও follow-up দেখে ব্যবহার করা উচিত।
E. Severe acute pain — short-term rescue
| Generic name | Therapeutic category | Pharmacological class | Bangladesh available brand examples | Why used | Adult dose & duration | Side effects | Interaction/caution |
| Tramadol | Opioid analgesic | Weak μ-opioid agonist + serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibition | Tramadol brands Bangladesh-এ বিভিন্ন strength-এ available; MedEx tramadol is indicated for moderate–severe pain including back pain | Acute severe pain, NSAID contraindicated/ineffective | 50–100 mg every 4–6 h PRN; max 400 mg/day; usually 3–5 days only | Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, sedation, dependence, seizure | Avoid alcohol/benzodiazepine/opioid; caution epilepsy; SSRI/SNRI/TCA → serotonin syndrome |
| Paracetamol + Tramadol | Combination analgesic | Non-opioid analgesic + weak opioid | Aceta-T 325/37.5 mg, Anadol Plus 325/37.5 mg, Atopen-X 325/37.5 mg | Acute severe breakthrough pain | 1 tablet 6–8 hourly PRN; max 8 tablets/day; short-term ≤5 days | Tramadol effects + paracetamol liver toxicity if overdose | Don’t combine with extra paracetamol unknowingly; avoid sedatives/alcohol |
NICE acute low back pain-এ weak opioid only তখন consider করতে বলে যখন NSAID contraindicated, not tolerated, বা ineffective; chronic low back pain-এ opioid avoid করা উচিত।
F. Epidural steroid injection — specialist use only
| Generic name | Therapeutic category | Pharmacological class | Bangladesh available brand examples | Why used | Dose/duration | Side effects | Interaction/caution |
| Methylprednisolone acetate injection | Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory | Glucocorticoid | Medrol 40 mg/ml, Medrol 80 mg/2 ml, Methsolon 40 mg/ml, Uni-Medrol 80 mg/2 ml | Acute severe sciatica/radicular pain due nerve inflammation—epidural route by specialist | Dose/route depends on pain/spine specialist protocol | Hyperglycemia, infection risk, flushing, transient pain, adrenal suppression | Diabetes, infection, anticoagulant, immunosuppression caution |
| Triamcinolone acetonide injection | Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory | Glucocorticoid | Alfacort 40 mg/ml, Cenolon 40 mg/ml, Cynocort 40 mg/ml, Emicort 40 mg/ml, Intracort 40 mg/ml | Epidural/local steroid option for severe radicular pain | Specialist procedure only | Same steroid risks | Same caution; avoid self-use |
12. When surgery is needed
Surgery consider করা হয় যখন:
- Conservative treatment 6–12 weeksেও severe pain/function limitation থাকে
- Progressive neurological deficit
- Severe spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication
- High-grade slip/instability
- Cauda equina syndrome — emergency
NASS guideline symptomatic spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis-এ decompression ± fusion consider করে; single-level low-grade slip without foraminal stenosis-এ decompression alone selected patient-এ fusion-এর comparable হতে পারে। NEJM trial-এ degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis-এর অনেক patient-এ surgery nonoperative care-এর তুলনায় better pain/function improvement দেখিয়েছে; আবার newer trial-এ decompression alone selected cases-এ fusion-এর non-inferior পাওয়া গেছে।
13. Prevention — কীভাবে প্রতিরোধ করবেন
- Core muscle strengthening: transversus abdominis, multifidus, gluteal muscle
- Hamstring ও hip flexor stretching
- Heavy lifting করলে neutral spine technique
- Repetitive lumbar hyperextension avoid, especially adolescent athlete
- Long sitting হলে posture break
- Body weight control
- Smoking cessation
- Osteoporosis risk থাকলে vitamin D, calcium, DEXA, fall prevention
- Sudden high-load gym/weightlifting avoid
- Early physiotherapy if recurrent low back pain
- Red flag symptom হলে দ্রুত doctor/spine specialist review
14. Overview / Summary
Spondylolisthesis হলো vertebra slip; common types হলো isthmic ও degenerative। Main presentation: mechanical low back pain, hamstring tightness, radicular leg pain, numbness, weakness, neurogenic claudication। Diagnosis clinically suspect করা যায়, কিন্তু confirmation হয় standing lateral X-ray দিয়ে; nerve compression/stenosis দেখতে MRI best। Low-grade disease-এ first-line হলো physiotherapy + activity modification + short-course analgesic/NSAID। Medicine pain control করে, slip cure করে না। Neurological deficit, bladder/bowel symptom বা failed conservative care হলে spine referral জরুরি।
15. Actionable Plan / Steps
- Red flag screen: bladder/bowel, saddle anesthesia, progressive weakness, fever, cancer, trauma.
- Initial test: standing AP/lateral lumbosacral X-ray ± flexion-extension view.
- MRI: radicular pain, neuro deficit, claudication, severe/persistent pain, surgery planning.
- First 2–6 weeks: activity modification + physiotherapy + short course NSAID if safe + PPI if GI risk.
- Spasm থাকলে: short-course muscle relaxant.
- Radicular neuropathic pain থাকলে: selected short monitored trial pregabalin/gabapentin; renal dose adjust; stop if no benefit.
- Severe acute sciatica: specialist epidural steroid injection consider.
- Surgery referral: progressive neuro deficit, high-grade slip, severe stenosis, failed conservative treatment.
নিচে Spondylolisthesis-এ commonly prescription-এ ব্যবহৃত সব drug point-list আকারে দিলাম।
Note: এগুলো pain/spasm/nerve pain control করে; vertebra slip “সোজা” করে না। NSAID lowest effective dose + shortest duration—NICE guideline এটাই বলে।
1. Paracetamol
- Generic name: Paracetamol
- Therapeutic category: Analgesic, Antipyretic
- Pharmacological class: Non-opioid analgesic
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Napa 500 mg, Napa Extend 665 mg, Napa One 1000 mg, Ace 500 mg, Ace XR 665 mg, Ace Power 1000 mg, Fast 500 mg, Feva 500/1000 mg
- কেন used হয়: Mild back pain; NSAID contraindicated হলে pain relief
- Dose: 500 mg 6–8 hourly PRN; max সাধারণত 3 g/day
- Duration: 3–5 days PRN
- Side effect: Liver toxicity overdose, nausea, rash
- Interaction: Alcohol, warfarin long-term, liver disease caution
2. Ibuprofen
- Generic name: Ibuprofen
- Therapeutic category: NSAID analgesic
- Pharmacological class: Non-selective COX inhibitor
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Flamex 200/400 mg, Intaflam 400 mg, Neurofen 400 mg, Profen 400 mg, Reumafen 200/400 mg
- কেন used হয়: Acute inflammatory/mechanical low back pain
- Dose: 400 mg TID after food
- Duration: 3–5 days
- Side effect: Gastritis, ulcer, renal injury, BP rise
- Interaction: Anticoagulant, steroid, ACEi/ARB + diuretic, CKD/PUD caution
3. Naproxen
- Generic name: Naproxen Sodium
- Therapeutic category: NSAID analgesic
- Pharmacological class: Non-selective COX inhibitor
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Naproxen 500 mg, Naproxen SR 500 mg, Naproxin 250/500 mg, Napsod 275/550 mg, Naxin 250/500 mg/SR 500 mg
- কেন used হয়: Longer-acting back pain/inflammation
- Dose: 250–500 mg BID after food
- Duration: 5–7 days
- Side effect: Dyspepsia, GI bleed, renal injury, edema
- Interaction: Warfarin/DOAC, steroid, SSRI, CKD, heart failure caution
4. Aceclofenac
- Generic name: Aceclofenac
- Therapeutic category: NSAID analgesic
- Pharmacological class: Phenylacetic acid derivative, COX inhibitor
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Carepain 100 mg, Ceclofen 100 mg, Dolonac 100 mg, Ectinac 100 mg, Flexi 100 mg/SR 200 mg, Flexivan 100 mg/ER 200 mg
- কেন used হয়: Mechanical low back pain + inflammation
- Dose: 100 mg BID after food
- Duration: 5–7 days
- Side effect: Gastritis, ulcer, renal injury, dizziness
- Interaction: Anticoagulant, steroid, SSRI, ACEi/ARB + diuretic caution
5. Diclofenac Sodium
- Generic name: Diclofenac Sodium
- Therapeutic category: NSAID analgesic
- Pharmacological class: Non-selective COX inhibitor
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Diclorex 50 mg/75 mg IM/RTD 100 mg, Diclovir 50 mg/SR 100 mg, Dilock 50 mg/SR 100 mg, Fastfit gel 1%, Fengel gel 1%, Proflam 50 mg/SR 100 mg
- কেন used হয়: Acute severe inflammatory back pain; gel localized pain-এ
- Dose: 50 mg BID–TID after food; max 150 mg/day
- Duration: 3–5 days
- Side effect: Gastritis, GI bleed, renal injury, CV risk
- Interaction: Anticoagulant, steroid, CKD, IHD/stroke risk caution
6. Etoricoxib
- Generic name: Etoricoxib
- Therapeutic category: NSAID analgesic
- Pharmacological class: Selective COX-2 inhibitor
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Eroflam 60/90/120 mg, Etocox 90/120 mg, Etonil 60/90/120 mg, Etorica 60/90/120 mg, Etovan 60/90/120 mg
- কেন used হয়: Back pain/inflammation; GI risk তুলনামূলক কম দরকার হলে
- Dose: 60 mg OD; severe short-term pain-এ 90 mg OD
- Duration: 3–7 days
- Side effect: BP rise, edema, renal injury, CV risk
- Interaction: Warfarin, uncontrolled HTN, IHD, stroke, heart failure caution
7. Pantoprazole
- Generic name: Pantoprazole Sodium
- Therapeutic category: Anti-ulcerant
- Pharmacological class: Proton Pump Inhibitor, PPI
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Pantodac 20/40 mg, Pantogen 20/40 mg, Pantogut 20/40 mg/IV 40 mg, Pantolok 20/40 mg/IV, Pantonix 20/40 mg/IV, Pantopra 20/40 mg
- কেন used হয়: NSAID-induced gastritis/ulcer prevention
- Dose: 20–40 mg OD before breakfast
- Duration: NSAID চলাকালীন; usually 1–2 weeks
- Side effect: Headache, diarrhea/constipation, long-term hypomagnesemia/B12 deficiency
- Interaction: Clopidogrel caution, long-term unnecessary use avoid
8. Esomeprazole
- Generic name: Esomeprazole
- Therapeutic category: Anti-ulcerant
- Pharmacological class: Proton Pump Inhibitor, PPI
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Esonix 40 mg/IV 40 mg, Esoral IV 40 mg/oral powder 20 mg, Esosav 20/40 mg
- কেন used হয়: NSAID-associated gastritis/GERD/ulcer protection
- Dose: 20 mg OD before breakfast
- Duration: 1–2 weeks with NSAID; GERD হলে 4–8 weeks
- Side effect: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, long-term B12/Mg issue
- Interaction: Clopidogrel interaction concern
9. Tolperisone
- Generic name: Tolperisone Hydrochloride
- Therapeutic category: Skeletal muscle relaxant
- Pharmacological class: Centrally acting muscle relaxant
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: A-Calm 50 mg, Mexaton 50 mg, Musclex 50 mg, Myoson 100 mg, Myotol 50 mg, Myoxan 50 mg, Rison 50 mg, Tolcalm 50 mg, Tolson 50/100 mg
- কেন used হয়: Paraspinal muscle spasm, stiffness, painful tightness
- Dose: 50–150 mg TID after food
- Duration: 5–10 days
- Side effect: Dizziness, weakness, nausea, hypersensitivity
- Interaction: Alcohol/sedatives caution; dizziness হলে driving avoid
10. Tizanidine
- Generic name: Tizanidine Hydrochloride
- Therapeutic category: Skeletal muscle relaxant
- Pharmacological class: Central α2-adrenergic agonist
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Relentus 2 mg, Sirdalud 2 mg, Tizadin 2 mg, Tizalex 2 mg, Tizalud 2 mg, Tizan 2 mg, Tizanac 2 mg
- কেন used হয়: Severe muscle spasm/night spasm
- Dose: 2 mg HS বা 2 mg TID; titrate carefully
- Duration: 3–7 days
- Side effect: Sleepiness, dizziness, hypotension, dry mouth, ↑LFT
- Interaction: Ciprofloxacin/fluvoxamine avoid; alcohol, benzodiazepine, antihypertensive caution
11. Pregabalin
- Generic name: Pregabalin
- Therapeutic category: Neuropathic pain agent, anticonvulsant
- Pharmacological class: Gabapentinoid; α2δ calcium-channel ligand
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Nervaid 50/75 mg, Nervalin 50/75 mg, Pregaran 50/75 mg, Prelica 25/75/150 mg & CR 82.5/165 mg, Prelin 25/50/75/100/150 mg, Rebalin 25/50/75 mg, Regab 25/50/75/100/150 mg
- কেন used হয়: Radicular burning pain, tingling, numbness—selected case
- Dose: Start 50 mg TID বা 75 mg BID; usual 150–300 mg/day
- Duration: 2–4 weeks trial; benefit না হলে taper করে stop
- Side effect: Dizziness, somnolence, weight gain, edema, blurred vision
- Interaction: Opioid/benzodiazepine/alcohol → sedation/respiratory depression; renal dose adjust
- Guideline note: Sciatica-তে routine gabapentinoid use NICE recommend করে না।
12. Gabapentin
- Generic name: Gabapentin
- Therapeutic category: Neuropathic pain agent, anticonvulsant
- Pharmacological class: Gabapentinoid; α2δ calcium-channel ligand
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Gaba 300 mg, Gabahil 100/300 mg, Gabamax 300 mg, Gabantin 100/300 mg, Gabapen 100/300 mg, Gabatin 300 mg, Neurotin 300 mg
- কেন used হয়: Radicular neuropathic pain—selected case
- Dose: Day 1: 300 mg HS; Day 2: 300 mg BID; Day 3: 300 mg TID
- Duration: 2–4 weeks trial; benefit না হলে taper করে stop
- Side effect: Dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, edema, somnolence
- Interaction: Antacid absorption কমায়; opioid/sedative caution; renal dose adjust
13. Duloxetine
- Generic name: Duloxetine Hydrochloride
- Therapeutic category: Neuropathic pain agent, antidepressant
- Pharmacological class: SNRI
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Deloxi 20/60 mg, Diliner DR 20/30/60 mg, Dulox 20/30 mg, Duloxen 20/30/60 mg, Loxetine 20/30 mg, Stresin 20/30 mg, Xinolax DR 20/30/60 mg
- কেন used হয়: Chronic pain with neuropathic feature; anxiety/depression overlap থাকলে selected case
- Dose: 30 mg OD 1 week, then 60 mg OD
- Duration: 4–6 weeks reassess
- Side effect: Nausea, insomnia/somnolence, sweating, BP rise, sexual dysfunction
- Interaction: MAOI/linezolid avoid; SSRI/TCA/tramadol → serotonin syndrome risk; liver disease caution
14. Amitriptyline
- Generic name: Amitriptyline Hydrochloride
- Therapeutic category: Neuropathic pain agent, antidepressant
- Pharmacological class: Tricyclic antidepressant, TCA
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Amilin 10/25 mg, Amit 10/25 mg, Amitip 10/25 mg, Amtylin 10/25 mg, Reptylin 10/25 mg, Tripsina 10/25 mg, Tryptin 10/25 mg
- কেন used হয়: Night pain, sleep disturbance with neuropathic pain—selected case
- Dose: 10–25 mg HS; weekly titration if needed
- Duration: 4–6 weeks reassess
- Side effect: Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, sedation, QT prolongation
- Interaction: MAOI avoid; SSRI/SNRI/tramadol serotonin risk; glaucoma/BPH/arrhythmia caution
15. Tramadol
- Generic name: Tramadol Hydrochloride
- Therapeutic category: Opioid analgesic
- Pharmacological class: Weak μ-opioid agonist + SNRI-like action
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: MedEx-listed tramadol brands available; common use moderate–severe pain-এ
- কেন used হয়: Acute severe pain; NSAID contraindicated/ineffective হলে short rescue
- Dose: 50–100 mg every 4–6 hourly PRN; max 400 mg/day
- Duration: 3–5 days only
- Side effect: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, sedation, dependence, seizure
- Interaction: Alcohol/benzodiazepine/opioid avoid; SSRI/SNRI/TCA → serotonin syndrome; epilepsy caution
- Guideline note: Weak opioid acute low back pain-এ শুধু NSAID contraindicated/not tolerated/ineffective হলে consider। Chronic pain-এ opioid avoid।
16. Paracetamol + Tramadol
- Generic name: Paracetamol + Tramadol Hydrochloride
- Therapeutic category: Combination analgesic
- Pharmacological class: Non-opioid analgesic + weak opioid
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Aceta-T 325/37.5 mg, Anadol Plus 325/37.5 mg, Atopen-X 325/37.5 mg
- কেন used হয়: Acute severe breakthrough back pain
- Dose: 1 tablet 6–8 hourly PRN; max 8 tab/day
- Duration: ≤5 days
- Side effect: Sedation, nausea, constipation, liver toxicity if overdose
- Interaction: Extra paracetamol avoid; alcohol/sedative/opioid avoid
17. Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection
- Generic name: Methylprednisolone Acetate
- Therapeutic category: Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory
- Pharmacological class: Glucocorticoid
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Medrol 40 mg/ml, Medrol 80 mg/2 ml, Methsolon 40 mg/ml, Uni-Medrol 80 mg/2 ml
- কেন used হয়: Severe acute radicular pain/sciatica-তে epidural steroid injection—specialist procedure
- Dose: Specialist decides; self-use নয়
- Duration: Single/limited injection protocol
- Side effect: Hyperglycemia, infection risk, flushing, adrenal suppression
- Interaction: Diabetes, infection, anticoagulant, immunosuppression caution
- Guideline note: NICE acute severe sciatica-তে epidural local anaesthetic + steroid consider করতে বলে; low back pain alone-এ spinal injection নয়।
18. Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection
- Generic name: Triamcinolone Acetonide
- Therapeutic category: Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory
- Pharmacological class: Glucocorticoid
- বাংলাদেশি Brand: Alfacort 40 mg/ml, Cenolon 40 mg/ml, Cynocort 40 mg/ml, Emicort 40 mg/ml, Intracort 40 mg/ml
- কেন used হয়: Severe radicular pain/sciatica-তে epidural/local steroid option—specialist procedure
- Dose: Specialist decides; self-use নয়
- Duration: Single/limited injection protocol
- Side effect: Hyperglycemia, infection, flushing, local pain, adrenal suppression
- Interaction: Diabetes, anticoagulant, infection, immunosuppression caution
Prescription shortcut list — Doctorরা সাধারণত group-wise যেভাবে লেখেন
- Pain only: Paracetamol ± NSAID
- Inflammatory/mechanical pain: Aceclofenac / Diclofenac / Naproxen / Ibuprofen / Etoricoxib + PPI
- Muscle spasm: Tolperisone বা Tizanidine
- Radicular burning pain/numbness: Pregabalin বা Gabapentin — selected case only
- Chronic neuropathic pain + sleep issue: Amitriptyline
- Chronic pain + mood/anxiety overlap: Duloxetine
- Acute severe pain: Tramadol বা Paracetamol + Tramadol, very short course
- Severe acute sciatica: Epidural steroid injection by specialist only
Core rule: একসাথে ২টা NSAID দেবেন না; NSAID + steroid/anticoagulant দিলে GI bleed risk বাড়ে; pregabalin/gabapentin/tramadol একসাথে দিলে sedation/respiratory depression risk বাড়ে।
16. Reference List — Textbook + Guideline + DOI
Textbooks
- Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed. Section: Back and Neck Pain.
- Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 24th ed. Section: Musculoskeletal pain / low back pain.
- Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics, 14th ed. Spine section: Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis.
- Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed. Bone/joint degeneration and musculoskeletal pathology sections.
- Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed. Pain pathways and muscle physiology sections.
Guidelines
- NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management.
- North American Spine Society — Diagnosis and Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.
Peer-reviewed articles with DOI
- Li N, et al. Spondylolisthesis. Orthopedic Reviews. 2022;14(3). DOI: 10.52965/001c.36917.
- Weinstein JN, et al. Surgical versus nonsurgical treatment for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa070302.
- Austevoll IM, et al. Decompression with or without fusion in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2100990.
Md.Rafiqul Islam Lipu,Date:-12-06-2026 Friday Time:-10-12-11 Am