Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it. The term is pronounced spondy-low-lis-thesis and is derived from the Greek language: spondylo means vertebra and listhesis means to slip. There are several types or causes of spondylolisthesis.
A pars fracture occurs when the bony pars interarticularis breaks. This type of spinal fracture causes spondylolisthesis; a forward slip or slide of one vertebral body over the one beneath.
Video series to learn easy back stretches to help with spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slips forward over another one). Three simple stretches and exercises that may help reduce spondylolisthesis related back and leg pain.
Most patients do not need spondylolisthesis surgery. A spine surgeon thoughtfully explains different grades of severity, why surgery may be necessary, and the surgical procedures.
Learn about treatments for spondylolisthesis, including over-the-counter medications (such as Tylenol), prescription medications, and epidural steroid injections.
Isthmic spondylolisthesis involves the breakage of a bone in the low back that allows the vertebra to slip forward. Read this article to understand the causes of isthmic spondylolisthesis. Several illustrations show you how it develops.
Some people live with spondylolisthesis (forward slip of a vertebra) without knowing it. Article lists the common symptoms associated with spondylolisthesis.
This in-depth discussion about spondylolisthesis explains what causes a vertebra to slip and what the different grades (eg, grade 1 spondylolisthesis) look like.
Low back pain is a common degenerative spondylolisthesis symptom. This article covers non-surgical treatments for spondylolisthesis, including exercise, bracing, and medications. It also discusses surgery, although few patients will actually need surgery for spondylolisthesis.
Depending on the severity of your spondylolisthesis, your doctor may have you wear a brace or corset to help support your spine. You won't have to wear it all the time; your doctor will create a spondylolisthesis treatment plan just for you.
Physical therapy is an often prescribed treatment option for spondylolisthesis, a low back condition. You'll strengthen the muscles that support the spine, and you'll learn how to keep your spine safe. If you have pain, though, the first goal will be to relieve that.
Isthmic spondylolisthesis should be differentiated from degenerative spondylolisthesis, which occurs due to the aging process along with the development of marked facet joint arthritis with rotatory vertebral slip.
Approximately 5% of the population has a spondylolisthesis, but many of those people will never need any treatment. The grade of slip (grades 1-5) and your symptoms will help determine your treatment.
To better understand why spondylolisthesis can cause low back pain and a change in body appearance such as swayback, it helps to know about basic spinal anatomy. This article explains how vertebrae work together to help you move.
Serial x-rays (radiographs) of the lumbar spine may be helpful to establish a diagnosis of isthmic spondylolisthesis. These x-rays are taken over a period of several years.
Most patients with a spondylolisthesis will not need spine surgery to treat this low back problem. Information about 6 nonsurgical treatments is offered.
Spondylolisthesis is a disorder where one vertebra slips over the adjacent vertebra. This disorder primarily affects the elderly as a degenerative disease but can be congenital or discovered early in life.
Be prepared for surgery with this article, which covers all aspects of before, during, and after your procedure. An excellent article for anyone who has questions about what happens once you get to the hospital.
In the last decade, adult onset slip progression, spondylolisthesis, was recognized and described in the medical literature as a distinct clinical entity causing severe incapacitating back and leg pain.
Spondylolisthesis can be present at birth, develop during childhood or later in life. The disorder may result from the physical stresses to the spine from carrying heavy things, weightlifting, gymnastics, and general wear and tear.
There are numerous things you can do to help prevent spondylolisthesis and improve the health of your spine. Get 10 tips that can help prevent and relieve spondylolisthesis.
Doctors no longer recommend extensive bed rest for back pain caused by spondylolisthesis. They may suggest 2 to 3 days of rest, and you may need to take a break from activities that make back pain worse.
The use of modern spinal instrumentation eliminates the need for post-operative bracing. Soon after surgery, the patient can get on his feet and walk, as tolerated.
Figure 4 of article entitled - Spondylolisthesis: Back Condition and Treatment is an x-ray showing where a lumbar vertebra has slid forward onto the vertebra below.