Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that occurs when a vertebra slips forward onto the vertebra below. Slippage most commonly occurs in the lower back, or lumbar region of the spine. The lumbar vertebrae are tasked with supporting the weight of the upper body while maintaining a full range of complex directional movements. These responsibilities lead to normal wear and tear, which, along with certain risk factors, can contribute to vertebral slippage.

Individuals should take time to understand the following risk factors for lumbar spondylolisthesis:

– Repetitive extension of the spine – Gymnasts, football players, wrestlers, divers, and weight-lifters sustain extreme forces while the spine is in extension (bending backward), making these types of athletes especially susceptible to vertebral slippage.

– Genetics – In many cases of spondylolisthesis, a patient’s genetics has played a role in the development of the disease. Weaknesses in the pars interarticularis, the bone that connects the facet joints to a vertebral body, can lead to fractures and complete separation of vertebrae.

– Trauma – Vertebral slippage can also result from injuries to the spine. The forces experienced during a car accident or a fall can cause the spine to jolt out of alignment.

– Osteoarthritis – Spinal osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the facet joints, or the points where vertebrae connect together. Over time, the joints lose their protective layer of cartilage, the bones grind together, and the joint become unstable. If a weakened joint can no longer hold the corresponding vertebra in place, slippage can occur.

– Pathological issues – Spinal diseases or infections can cause damage to vertebral bone, which can lead to slippage.

Regardless of what causes lumbar spondylolisthesis, the resulting spinal misalignment can lead to stiffness in the lower back, muscle spasms, and changes in gait and posture. If the slipped vertebra happens to compress the spinal cord or one of its nerve roots, an individual may also experience radiculopathy, or radiating pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the buttocks, hips, legs, and feet.

Treatment Options

The thought of a displaced vertebra can be quite unnerving and many individuals believe that surgery is immediately required. However, most spondylolisthesis cases can be treated with nonsurgical, or conservative, methods. Conservative options usually include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), narcotic pain medications, physical therapy, hot and/or cold therapy, and others. Surgery is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to several weeks or months of conservative treatment, have sustained a traumatic injury, or whose spondylolisthesis has given rise to dangerous symptoms that require emergency surgery.

If Surgery is Necessary

Spinal fusion may be necessary to treat a severe case of spondylolisthesis. The goal of fusion surgery is to realign the slipped vertebra with the rest of the spine, to halt motion in the affected vertebral segment, and to relieve any nerve compression that may have occurred as a result of the vertebral shift. A surgeon will likely use a bone graft and install support cages, rods, and screws into two or more vertebrae to essentially “fuse” them into one segment of bone, thereby giving the segment strength and support. While fusion can eliminate the possibility of further slippage in one segment, it can also limit a patient’s mobility. For this reason, patients who are considering spondylolisthesis surgery should understand the risks and consequences associated with it.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of spondylolisthesis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spondylolisthesis