Sort ur back out before it degenerates too far .. Book now 0876644140

Sort ur back out before it degenerates too far .. Book now 0876644140


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Spondylolisthesis by the Cleveland Clinic

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) slips out of place onto the vertebra below it. If it slips too much, the bone might press on a nerve, causing pain. Usually, the bones of the lower back are affected.

The word spondylolisthesis comes from the Greek words spondylos, which means "spine" or "vertebra," and listhesis, which means "to slip or slide."

Types of spondylolisthesis
There are different types of spondylolisthesis. The more common types include.

Congenital spondylolisthesis — Congenital means "present at birth." Congenital spondylolisthesis is the result of abnormal bone formation. In this case, the abnormal arrangement of the vertebrae puts them at greater risk for slipping.

Isthmic spondylolisthesis — This type occurs as the result of spondylolysis, a condition that leads to small stress fractures (breaks) in the vertebrae. In some cases, the fractures weaken the bone so much that it slips out of place.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis — This is the most common form of the disorder. With aging, the discs — the cushions between the vertebral bones — lose water, becoming less spongy and less able to resist movement by the vertebrae.

Less common forms of spondylolisthesis include:

Traumatic spondylolisthesis, in which an injury leads to a spinal fracture or slippage

Pathological spondylolisthesis, which results when the spine is weakened by disease — such as osteoporosis — an infection, or tumor

Post-surgical spondylolisthesis, which refers to slippage that occurs or becomes worse after spinal surgery

How common is spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is the most common cause of back pain in teens. Symptoms of spondylolisthesis often begin during the teen-age growth spurt. Degenerative spondylolisthesis occurs most often after age 40.

What are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis?
Many people with spondylolisthesis have no symptoms and don’t even know they have the condition. When symptoms do occur, low back pain is the most common. The pain usually spreads across the lower back, and might feel like a muscle strain.

Spondylolisthesis can also cause muscle spasms in the hamstring muscles in the back of the thighs. Tight hamstrings can cause the person to walk with short strides and with the knees slightly bent. If the slipped vertebra is pressing on a nerve, pain might spread down the leg to the foot. The foot might also tingle and/or feel numb.

How is spondylolisthesis graded?
A radiologist determines the degree of slippage upon reviewing spinal X-rays. Slippage is graded I through IV:

Grade I — 1 percent to 25 percent slip
Grade II — 26 percent to 50 percent slip
Grade III — 51 percent to 75 percent slip
Grade IV — 76 percent to 100 percent slip

Generally, Grade I and Grade II slips do not require surgical treatment and are treated medically. Grade III and Grade IV slips might require surgery if persistent, painful, slips are present.

How is spondylolisthesis diagnosed?
An X-ray of the lower back can show a vertebra out of place. A computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan — which produce more detailed images — might be needed to more clearly see the bones and nerves involved.

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