Overview

What is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that affects the lower vertebrae. In this condition, one of the lower vertebrae gets displaced to the front onto the bone directly beneath it. Thus, the condition is painful and generally curable. Surgical and therapeutic methods may be used. The right exercise techniques can prevent this condition.

What are the symptoms of Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis occurs in a wide range of symptoms. Some patients with mild cases may lack some symptoms entirely. However, some patients with severe cases may even be unable to perform some of their activities that are usually done daily. Some common symptoms are listed below:

Continuous pain in the middle back
Rigidity in the back and legs
Soreness in the lower back
Pain in the thigh
Hamstring muscles and buttocks contracted

What causes Spondylolisthesis?

The cause of a vertebra's misalignment depends on the particular type of Spondylolisthesis. The most common causes are the following:

The natural aging and wear and strain of your spinal disks.
Vertebrae is innately thinner than average.
Sports-related injuries.
Growth surges (children and adolescents).
Traumas such as car accidents or collapses.

What are the risk factors of Spondylolisthesis?

Even though Spondylolisthesis can be experienced by anyone, some people more often include the following:

Adults aged over fifty years.
Assigned female at birth.
People participate in sports activities, especially those which allow much jumping and stretching.
Biological family history or previous cases of Spondylolisthesis.

What are the complications of Spondylolisthesis?

If Spondylolisthesis remains undiagnosed and unrestrained, it exposes you to some risks such as the following:

Chronic pain in your back.
Spinal arthritis
Risk of nerve damage.
Inability to regulate the frequency of urination (urinary incontinence) or bowel movements (bowel incontinence).

How do doctors diagnose Spondylolisthesis?

The first step in the diagnosis process for this condition is physical exams. If you have Spondylolisthesis, you will find it pretty hard to raise your limb straight out away from your body in simple exercises. X-rays of the lower spine are essential in establishing whether a vertebrae is misplaced or not. Moreover, your physician might examine the X-ray pictures for any potential bone fractures.

If the misaligned bone is putting pressure on your nerves, your doctor might prescribe a more thorough CT scan.

What are the treatments for Spondylolisthesis?

Your age, symptoms, medical history, and the degree of your Spondylolisthesis will decide which type of treatment is appropriate for you. In most cases, low grade can be treated with oral medication or through physical therapy. If your grade is too high, perhaps even excruciatingly painful, you may require surgery.

Nonsurgical therapy can include some of the following:

Rest: You may need to avoid sports and other strenuous activities for a while.
Medication: To treat your pain, the doctor may prescribe drugs over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Injections: Steroid shots, injected directly into the painful area, could also be administered.
Physical therapy: You can reduce your pain by doing daily exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles in your lower back and abdomen that support your spine.
Braces: A back brace limits motion for children with spondylolysis or vertebral fractures, allowing the fractures to heal.

How can I prevent Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is not always preventable, especially by the nature of sudden injuries or how your spine develops. You can reduce the risk with these recommendations below:

Exercise to have strong muscles in your abdominal and back region.
Eat a healthy diet. This can help protect your bones as well as your entire body.
Discuss your bone health with your physician. They will let you know when you will need to undergo regular routine bone density tests.

What can I expect if I have Spondylolisthesis?

You can be treated with rest, medication, and physical therapy. Once you have started your treatment, your physician will continue taking more X-rays to see if the vertebra moves further out of place. Your physician will monitor the misplaced vertebra. Further movement may require surgery.

With nonsurgical therapy, you can return to your usual activities without discomfort, but the misplaced vertebra will not be straightened. Surgical intervention is the only way to align your spine.

Rehabilitation for patients who undergo spine surgery depends on different durations ranging from weeks to months.

When should I see a doctor?

Spondylolisthesis is diagnosed and treated faster if you see a doctor early. If your back pain lasts longer than a few days or you cannot do your normal activities, go see a doctor.