Pain management: spondylolisthesis

What is spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a slipping of vertebrae that occurs, in most cases, at the base of the spine. Spondylolysis, which is a defect or fracture of one or both wing-shaped parts of a vertebra, can result in vertebrae slipping backwards, forwards, or over a bone below.

Causes of spondylolithesis

There are many causes of spondylolisthesis. A vertebra might be defective from the time a person is born, or a vertebra might be broken by trauma or a stress fracture. In addition, vertebrae can be broken down by infection or disease. Most commonly, this disorder occurs in children and adolescents who are active in sports and athletics.

Symptoms of spondylolithesis

Symptoms include:

• Lower back pain
• Muscle tightness and stiffness
• Pain in the buttocks
• Pain radiating down the legs (due to pressure on nerve roots).

Spondylolithesis Treatments

Spondylolisthesis is treated by strengthening the supportive abdominal and back muscles through physiotherapy. For patients who continue to have severe pain and disability after physical therapy, there is the option of surgical fusion (arthrodesis) of the vertebra to the bone below.