What Is SPONDYLOLISTHESIS?
Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips out of its natural alignment. This slippage most commonly occurs in the low back (lumbar spine) and may cause instability, back pain, or pressure on nearby spinal nerves.
Some people with spondylolisthesis have no symptoms, while others develop pain, stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
What Are the Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis?
Symptoms of spondylolisthesis range in severity depending on the degree of vertebral slippage and whether nerves are affected. The most common symptoms include:
- Low back pain
- Pain that worsens with standing, walking, bending backward, or physical activity
- Muscle tightness
- Stiffness
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks, thighs, or legs (sciatica)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities
- Difficulty standing or walking for prolonged periods
Symptoms often improve with rest or sitting.
What Causes Spondylolisthesis?
Several different conditions can lead to spondylolisthesis, including:
- Age-related degeneration of the discs and joints (degenerative spondylolisthesis)
- Stress fractures of the vertebra
- Congenital abnormalities of the spine
- Traumatic injuries or fractures
- Less commonly, tumors or infections affecting the spine
How Is Spondylolisthesis Diagnosed and Treated?
Your provider will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical and neurologic examination. Imaging studies including x-ray, CT scan, and MRI can evaluate spinal alignment and determine the degree (grade) of vertebral slippage.
Treatment depends on the severity of the slippage, your symptoms, and whether nerve compression is present.
Conservative treatment may include:
- Activity and lifestyle modification
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Epidural steroid injections or selective nerve root injections for nerve-related pain when appropriate
If conservative treatment does not provide adequate relief, or if progressive neurologic deficits, spinal instability, or significant nerve compression develops, surgery may be recommended. Surgical treatment typically involves spinal decompression to relieve pressure on the nerves and spinal fusion to stabilize the affected vertebrae.
If you are experiencing persistent low back pain, leg pain, numbness, or difficulty walking due to spondylolisthesis, Premier NeuroSpine Institute can help. Call or book an appointment with our team at Premier NeuroSpine Institute today. Our experienced providers will work with you to determine an appropriate course of treatment so you can enjoy better health and a higher quality of life.