Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Spondylolisthesis
1746877019
Spondylolisthesis occurs when a spine bone slips forward over the one below it, causing back pain, stiffness, or tightness, depending on its location. If the slipped bone presses on nerves, it can lead to pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
This condition commonly affects the lower back or lumbar spine at two areas. At L4-L5, it causes lower back pain and leg symptoms. At L5-S1, pain may spread to the legs or buttocks. Less often, spondylolisthesis occurs in other spine regions. If at the skull base, it may cause headaches or pressure on the brainstem. In the cervical spine or neck, it can lead to neck pain or weakness in the shoulders or arms. Rarely, it affects the thoracic spine, causing chest or rib pain.
To diagnose spondylolisthesis, a provider performs a physical exam for pain, weakness, and flexibility. You may need to bend to check spine movement. Imaging tests can confirm the diagnosis. X-rays show if a bone has slipped or if the spine is unstable. If nerve compression is suspected, an MRI or CT scan might be needed.
Most cases improve without surgery. Physical therapy strengthens muscles around the spine. Medications like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers relieve pain and stiffness, while injections reduce nerve swelling. Surgery is considered only if symptoms don’t improve or if the slip is severe, to stabilize the spine and relieve nerve pressure.
If you have back pain from spondylolisthesis, various treatment options exist. Talk to our team for the best plan for you.
FAQs
Are there risks if spondylolisthesis is left untreated?
Yes, untreated spondylolisthesis can lead to complications such as chronic pain, disability, or in severe cases, cauda equina syndrome, a condition that requires emergency medical attention due to nerve compression causing potential loss of bladder control and paralysis.
How is spondylolisthesis diagnosed?
A healthcare provider typically diagnoses spondylolisthesis based on a physical exam to assess pain, weakness, and flexibility. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, can confirm the presence and severity of vertebral slippage. If there's suspicion of nerve compression, an MRI or CT scan might be needed.
What are the common symptoms associated with spondylolisthesis?
Common symptoms of spondylolisthesis include lower back pain, muscle tightness, or stiffness. Pain may radiate to the buttocks and thighs due to nerve pressure, and in severe cases, symptoms could include numbness or tingling in the legs.
What are the treatment options for spondylolisthesis?
Treatment for spondylolisthesis often begins with conservative measures such as physical therapy to strengthen the spine's supporting muscles, medications like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers to relieve symptoms, and sometimes injections to reduce nerve swelling. Surgery may be an option in severe cases to stabilize the spine and alleviate nerve pressure.
What is spondylolisthesis and how does it affect the spine?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra in the spine slips forward over the one below it. This forward slip can cause symptoms like back pain, stiffness, or even nerve-related issues such as tingling or weakness in the extremities, depending on the degree and location of the slip.