Spondylolisthesis

What is spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis happens when vertebrae (bones) in the spine slip out of position. This misalignment puts pressure on the bone below it and can compress one or more spinal nerves.

Spondylolisthesis causes back pain that limits your ability to do everyday tasks. Coastal Spine offers effective treatments that restore mobility and ease pain and other symptoms.

What causes spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis has several causes. In children, a birth abnormality or trauma is most common. In adults, degenerative diseases like arthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease are frequently to blame.

Other spondylolisthesis causes include:

• Bone diseases
• Stress fractures (many tiny cracks)
• Traumatic fractures resulting from auto accidents and sports injuries

Most people with spondylolisthesis develop the condition in later life.

What symptoms does spondylolisthesis cause?

Common spondylolisthesis symptoms include:

• Pain
• Lower backache
• Muscle pain
• Muscle spasms
• Reduced range of motion
• Stiffness
• Leg muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling
• Pain in the pelvis and legs

Many of these symptoms arise from nerve compression (radiculopathy). The slipping vertebra irritates or pinches the nerves exiting your spine. The symptoms you experience depend on which nerves are compressed and how severely.

Spondylolisthesis diagnosis begins with a physical exam. Your Coastal Spine doctor might use diagnostic imaging like X-rays, MRI, or a CT scan to get a better look at the nerves.

How is spondylolisthesis treated?

Coastal Spine offers several spondylolisthesis treatments, including:

Bracing

A back brace helps support your spine, limit movement, and relieve pain.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy keeps you moving, preventing muscle wasting and stiffness.

Medication

Anti-inflammatory medicine can reduce pain and inflammation.

Injections

Steroid injections into the affected area deliver a more potent anti-inflammatory direct to the source of your pain.

Could I need surgery for spondylolisthesis?

Many patients do well with conservative spine treatments. But you might need surgery if your spondylolisthesis symptoms get worse and nonsurgical treatments don’t reduce your symptoms.

Coastal Spine’s expert orthopedic surgeons perform operations in an outpatient setting using minimally invasive techniques. They do the procedures in Coastal Spine’s dedicated surgical center or a local hospital.

Possible surgeries include minimally invasive laminectomy and fusion. Laminectomy involves removing a piece of bone called the lamina from your vertebrae (spinal bones). Your surgeon fuses the vertebrae afterward to stabilize your spine.

Call Coastal Spine today or book an appointment online for prompt spondylolisthesis diagnosis and treatment.