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Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebrae slides backward or forward relative to the surrounding vertebrae. In most cases, spondylolisthesis occurs in the lower areas of the spine. In some situations, the condition may lead to the compression of the nerve roots, which can result in numbness, weakness, or pain in either or both of the legs.
Suffering from symptoms of spondylolisthesis? Take the first step to finding relief from your pain with our free interactive assessment.
Spondylolisthesis is an instability in the spinal column that results in vertebrae shifting out of alignment, often over the next vertebrae. This condition is most common in the lower back (also known as the lumber spine) because this portion carries and distributes the majority of your body weight. This means it is susceptible to excessive stress.
Causes of spondylolisthesis can vary with age and lifestyle. If your spondylolisthesis is the result of an underlying condition, it can requires a more specific diagnosis. For example, if an injury led to your vertebrae slippage, you could be diagnosed with traumatic spondylolisthesis. Other common causes are:
If you are experiencing pain caused by spondylolisthesis, start your diagnosis with our interactive condition assessment tool — and find out how an expert at the Integrated Spine Institute can help you.
As with most lower back pain conditions, there are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for spondylolisthesis. The experts at Integrated Spine Institute will help determine the best treatment option for based on your specific diagnosis. A spondylolisthesis diagnosis will involve a degree of slippage that is graded I through IV.
These grades can help determine the right treatment for you. Generally, Grade I and Grade II slips do not require surgery and are treated medically. Grade III and Grade IV slips might require surgery if persistent, painful, slips are present.
In most situations, slippage grades I and II can proceed medically, with medical treatments. Non-surgical options to treat apondylolisthesis include:
If conservative treatments are exhausted or no longer effective, surgical treatment can be considered. In some situations, such as grade III and grade IV slips, surgery may be the necessary regardless of the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments.
Surgery for spondylolisthesis is dependent on the type or grade you are suffering from, as well as any underlying conditions. Most spondylolisthesis situations can be resolved with a minimally invasive spine surgery.
The most common minimally invasive spine surgery options include:
If you are suffering from painful symptoms associated with spondylolisthesis and are ready to take the next step, try our interactive treatment finder below to find right treatment for you.
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