Spondylolisthesis is a condition that generally affects the lower lumbar vertebrae (L4 – L5). The condition often begins with a stress fracture or defect in the pedical of the verbebra. This defect is called spondylolysis. If the defect is extensive enough, the vertebrae might shift forward, out of alignment with the rest of the spine.

Most people with a Spondylolisthesis do not even know about they have it. It is often discovered when a person is undergoing diagnostics for a totally unrelated problem. The majority of people with this condition will never develop any adverse symptoms.

Athletes such as gymnasts and volleyball players who do a lot of repetitive spinal extension (backward bending) can aggravate a existing spondylolysis to the point of pain.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Osteoporosis can deteriorate the verebrae resulting in a pedicle fracture that can lead to vertebral slippage. This is fairly common in the elderly and may impact several vertebral levels. A degenerative process in the spine can also lead to Spondylolisthesis . As the body ages, the vertebrae may become weaker and less stable. This is generally due to an arthritic condition in the spine. In such cases, one of the lower lumbar vertebra may slip forward and out of alignment with the vertebrae above and below. In this case there is no fracture, just excessive movement in the affected vertebra. This condition can result in increased bone spur formation and spinal stenosis. This problem is really a mixture of spondylolysis, osteoarthritis, disc degeneration and spinal stenosis.

Spondylolisthesis Treatment

Conservative treatment options are usually better at alleviating the symptoms Spondylolisthesis and have less unwanted side effects. When it comes to a surgical option but very cautious. Surgery for Spondylolisthesis is very involved and invasive.

A good doctor will rarely commence spondylolisthesis treatment before having a complete and accurate diagnosis of the problem. A knowledgeable physician with a lateral of x-ray can only make the diagnosis of spondylolisthesis. The extent of the vertebral slippage can be measures with a lateral x-ray of the lumbar spine. The doctor will often order an MRI or CT scan. This will enable the doctor to see just what impact the slipped vertebrae is having on the spinal cord, nerves and the surrounding soft tissues.

Isthmus Spondylolisthesis is a concern for many patients. Doctors have been known to blame this condition for many pain syndromes, nerve symptoms and disabilities. The reality is that this condition is seldom destructive, as most cases are completely asymptomatic

Spondylolisthesis is measured in degrees of slippage. Most all cases are mild, with the affected vertebrae being less then 25% out of alignment. These instances are almost always asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic. Slippage of 25% to 50% is considered moderate and might entail a few symptoms and restrictions. Slippage between 50% and 75% is considered severe and might cause pain and disability. Complete vertebral slippage is called Spondyloptosis. Complete slippage of a vertebral bone is an extremely serious health concern and often results in spinal instability. Most patients demonstrate mild vertebral slippage in the L4 or L5 vertebrae.

Congenital Spondylolisthesis

Congenital cases of spondylolisthesis are usually the least symptomatic. Those born with an existing condition or a pre-disposition to develop vertebral slippage have little to be concerned about. In most cases the body will develop normally and adapt to the spondylolisthesis. Symptoms sometimes appear during periods of rapid growth, but generally resolve without treatment. Severe congenital spondylolisthesis is quite rare.

Children with congenital vertebral slippage should be reassured that everything is ok and they most likely will not suffer any significant effects from the condition.

Isthmus Spondylolisthesis Treatment

If you have severe vertebral slippage due to a serious spine injury or severe spinal degeneration, than most likely, treatment will be necessary.

If you do have a symptomatic slippage, be sure to review treatment options and expectations carefully with your physician. It is always best to investigate all options before making a selection. If surgery is a consideration be sure to get a second opinion before undergoing any procedure.

Spondylolisthesis therapy

Spondylolisthesis therapy can be one of a variety of treatments. There are no actual cures for spondylolisthesis except surgical correction.

Most individuals with mild to moderate pain will benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapy stretches and exercises help to stabilize the spine using the core and low back muscles. This does not correct the vertebral displacement but can improve the muscular mechanics of the spine to the point that the nerves and soft tissues are no loner adversely affected by the spondylolysthesis. Weight loss can also have a positive effect on symptoms related to spondylolysthesis.

Spondylolisthesis surgery

Spondylolisthesis surgery is reserved for extremely symptomatic vertebral slippage conditions. The surgeries are very invasive and can have some unwanted side affects. The most common procedure used is one of many varieties of spinal fusion. Fusion is an operation where the vertebrae are joined together using bone grafts and surgical hardware such as cages, screws, pins and plates. This hardware is often left attached to the affected vertebrae permanently to reinforcing the surgical fusion. Fusion is a very invasive operation and can result in painful degenerative conditions in the surrounding vertebral discs and facets. Spinal fusion should only be considered if severe symptoms persist after rigorous conservative treatment has failed. If a fusion surgery is warranted, make sure to find a specialist who can insure the best results possible for your spondylolisthesis.