Spondylolisthesis

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What is Spondylolisthesis

Before providing an explanation of what spondylolisthesis is, it is important to give a quick overview of the spine and the function it provides to our bodies.

The spinal column is made up of thirty-three vertebrae. There are five main areas of the spine and they are identified from the top, as follows: cervical (neck); thoracic (middle); lumbar (lower); sacrum (base); and the coccyx (tailbone). Vertebrae are the bones that form the spinal column. Between the vertebrae are discs that function as cushions and shock absorbers. They also provide for flexibility and motion. There are other parts that form and work with the spine, such as nerves and nerve roots, ligaments, muscle and other soft tissue.

The spinal column is much like a pillar that needs to be strong to support the head as well as the trunk of the body. It houses nerves that travel or send signals from our brain to the rest of our body for both movement and sensory.

When one of the vertebra is displaced from its normal position or slips over the vertebra below, the condition is known as spondylolisthesis.

Causes of Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis can be caused by a stress fracture in the vertebra. This cause is actually one of the most common for this condition.

Another cause of spondylolisthesis may be due to degenerative changes in the vertebrae or discs. As we age, spinal discs lose density, they may herniated or rupture, thereby causing damage to the vertebra or weakening the vertebra given that the disc is no longer able to protect or cushion these bones.

Once spondylolisthesis has been diagnosed, your physician will need to determine the degree of slippage of the vertebra. These are measured in terms of grades, namely: Grade 1 0-25%; Grade II 26-50%; Grade III: 51-75%; Grade IV 76-100%; and Grade V over 100%.

Most defects occur at birth or as young children, but are often not diagnosed until early adulthood,

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis

Most defects occur at birth or as young children, but are often not diagnosed until early adulthood, simply due to the fact that symptoms for spondylolisthesis are not common or certainly not severe enough to seek medical attention. Typically, when looking at children or adolescents with spondylolisthesis, it is the abnormal posture and gait that suggests a problem may exist.

One may also suffer spasms in the muscle along the spine when bending forward. Strenuous physical activity or sports may also aggravate the lower back, buttocks and legs. There may also be numbness or tingling from spondylolisthesis in addition to weakness in the lower limbs.

Adults will primarily experience pain that is usually dependant on the degree of slippage.

Treatment for Spondylolisthesis

There are treatments that may be explored to treat spondylolisthesis and can be targeted to the symptoms present. For example, when experiencing numbness or tingling or weakness, typically rest or a restriction of activity will help in relieving these symptoms.

Treatments may be both non-operative as well as operative and are typically dependant on the degree of slippage, in addition to the severity and frequency of pain and other symptoms.

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