Understanding Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

When we think about back pain, we often imagine muscle strains or herniated discs. But there’s another condition that affects many people called spondylolisthesis. While the name might sound complex, the condition is actually more common than you might think, and understanding it can help you or someone you know find relief and the right path to treatment.

In this blog article we will review the symptoms, causes, and safe treatment of spondylolisthesis.

What is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis (pronounced spon-dil-oh-lis-THEE-sis) occurs when one of the bones in your spine, called a vertebra, slips forward over the vertebra below it. Think of it like a stack of blocks - when one block shifts out of line, it can put pressure on everything around it.

This slippage can happen for a variety of reasons, from genetics to wear and tear, and it can occur at any age. However, it most commonly affects the lower back and can range from mild to severe.

Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Isthmic spondylolisthesis occurs when the pars interarticularis fractures and can no longer maintain proper alignment of the vertebra. The fracture normally causes the vertebra to slip forward. Isthmic spondylolisthesis can be the result of undiagnosed spondylolysis and may occur when a vertebra fracture of the pars interarticularis becomes a complete break. You can read more about spondylolysis in our blog article Understanding Spondylolysis: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a result of wear and tear on the spine often associated with age. This is the most common type of spondylolisthesis. It occurs as intervertebral discs lose height over time which causes the discs to weaken and bulge. These degenerative changes can cause spinal stenosis symptoms as the disc encroaches on the spinal canal. Spinal stenosis is discussed in our blog articles Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and What is Spinal Stenosis, and How is it Treated?

Symptoms

Spondylolisthesis doesn’t always cause symptoms and some people live with it for years without realizing. But when the symptoms do become noticeable, it might show up as:

• Persistent lower back pain
• Stiffness or tightness in the back and hamstrings
• Pain that radiates down the legs (sciatica)
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

If the slippage compresses nerves, symptoms can become more severe.

Some people never experience any symptoms and learn about the stress fracture or slippage during an X-Ray or MRI. It is not uncommon for a minor condition to present no painful symptoms.

Causes

The main causes of spondylolisthesis include:

• Degenerative changes: As we age, the joints and discs in our spine can wear down, making it easier for vertebrae to slip out of place.
• Stress fractures: Repetitive strain, especially in young athletes (like gymnasts or football players), can lead to small fractures that cause instability.
• Congenital conditions: Some people are born with a defect in part of their spine, making them more susceptible.
• Trauma or injury: Accidents or sudden impacts can sometimes cause the spine to shift.
• Surgical complications: In rare cases, spinal surgery can contribute to the condition.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis:

Usually involves physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scans, or MRI if needed. These tests will help your healthcare provider determine which vertebra (or vertebrae) has moved and whether nerves are affected.

You can learn more about how to discuss your pain and preparing for a visit with your healthcare provider in these blog articles.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Your Pain

Tips for Communicating With Your Doctor at Your Next Appointment

Treatment Options:

It is important to always follow the prescribed treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will provide recommendations for treatment duration and frequency. Most fractures heal within six months when a treatment plan is followed.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Some common non-surgical treatments include:

• Lumbar brace (LSO or TLSO depending on the affected spinal area)
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) medications
• Rest and time off from sports activities or repetitive motions
• Physical therapy
• Oral or injection of corticosteroids

We offer a wide selection of lumbar braces to treat your spondylolisthesis. You can view our selection of lumbar braces by clicking here.

Surgical Treatment

Depending on the time it takes to heal and the amount of pain, surgical intervention may be an option to stabilize the vertebra and relieve pressure on the nerves.  The goal with surgery is usually to stabilize the spine, relieve pressure on the nerves, and correct the slippage.

When to Seek Medical Help

If painful or debilitating symptoms persist or worsen despite self-care measures, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice or recommend further evaluation if necessary. Spondylolysis can lead to the more painful condition spondylolisthesis if further injury damages the pars interarticularis.

Conclusion

It may be frightening to be diagnosed with spondylolisthesis but with proper treatment and rest, you will find this is a manageable condition. With the right combination of rest, therapy, and lifestyle changes, you can lead a normal, active life. The key is early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

If you're experiencing chronic back pain or leg symptoms, don’t brush it off. A simple exam might uncover something that, with the right attention, can greatly improve your quality of life.

We're Here To Help

The team of experts at Elite Medical Supply of NY is here to help identify the right lumbar brace, mobility product, or therapy product for your recovery. We also offer a wide selection of braces from world-class manufacturers to alleviate pain and help heal your condition. Take a look at our selection of braces by clicking here.

When you're ready to order a product or need assistance making a choice we're here to help. You can reach us at 866-712-0881, send us an email, or fill out a contact form.