Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis v.s. Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are common causes of low back pain. They are different spinal conditions but often related to each other.
Spondylolysis is a stress fracture (cracks in the spine bones), usually occurring as a result of aging or sports-related injury. Spondylolisthesis, on the other hand, occurs when one of the vertebrae slips out of place and rests on the bone below it.
Spondylolysis may lead to spondylolisthesis if the stress fracture causes the bone to move out of place or if the vertebrae slips out due to degeneration.
What are the Different Types of Spondylolisthesis?
There are different types of spondylolisthesis. The most common types of spondylolisthesis are:
• Congenital spondylolisthesis
This occurs when a baby’s spine doesn’t form normally before birth. This greatly increases one’s risk of vertebrae slippage later in life.
• Isthmic spondylolisthesis
This form of spondylolisthesis is a result of spondylolysis.
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis
It’s the most common form of spondylolisthesis that results from aging. As we age, the disks that cushion our vertebrae lose water, increasing the chance of vertebrae from slipping out.
What are the Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis?
There aren’t any obvious symptoms of spondylolisthesis. Many cases of spondylolisthesis are discovered when x-rays are taken for an unrelated injury.
The most common symptom is lower back pain, and this pain may:
• Feel similar to a muscle strain
• Radiate to the buttocks and back of the thighs
• Worsen with activity and improve with rest
How is Spondylolisthesis. Diagnosed and Treated?
To diagnose spondylolisthesis, our specialists at South Florida Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will begin with a thorough physical examination and recommend imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the slippage, the symptoms, and the patient’s overall health.
Nonsurgical treatment options for spondylolisthesis include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, bracing and physical therapy.
If the pain is severe and there are little to no improvements with nonsurgical intervention, surgery may be recommended. The goal of the surgery is to relieve the pain from the irritated nerve, stabilize the spine, and restore the patient’s function.
If you suspect your lower back pain is due to a case of spondylolisthesis, call us. The experts at the South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Spine and Neck Center can assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment.
To request a same day or next day appointment, please call (772) 288-2400.