Signs of discomfort in the lower back should not automatically be labeled as spondylolisthesis symptoms. It is far more common for spine pain to be caused by a sprained ligament or a strained muscle, both of which will likely heal over a period of several weeks with the proper treatments. But how do you know when spine pain really is a sign of something more serious, like spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is most common in the lower back, so if you have feelings of pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in your lumbar spine, buttocks, legs, feet, and/or toes, spondylolisthesis may be the culprit. The condition could also cause a swayback, a change in gait, or hamstring tightness. Your doctor may suggest an MRI or CT scan to determine if your discomfort is due to spondylolisthesis, bone spurs, a herniated disc, a bulging disc, spinal tumors, spinal stenosis, or another anatomical abnormality.

The Anatomy of Spondylolisthesis Symptoms

Spondylolisthesis is the anterior (front) displacement of one vertebra over the vertebra beneath it. Posterior displacement is possible, but not as common. It is rare for the condition to occur in the neck or middle back – the most susceptible area is the lower back, at the site of the L4, L5, and S1 vertebrae. Vertebral slippage can be caused by fractures, tumors, congenital malformation, and degeneration. Degeneration due to aging is by far the most common cause, and patients with spinal arthritis are especially susceptible. As the facet joints deteriorate and bone spurs form, the superior and inferior articular processes can shift or change form, causing the vertebra itself to shift forward. This displacement is categorized by grades of how far forward the vertebra has moved, where Grade 1 is 0-25 percent slippage and Grade 4 is 75-100 percent slippage.

Why Many Patients Remain Asymptomatic

A large percentage of patients with vertebral slippage will never experience spondylolisthesis symptoms. If the vertebra does not come into contact with spinal nerve roots, the spinal cord, or the annular wall of an intervertebral disc, the patient may never even know that he or she has the condition. Asymptomatic spondylolisthesis is especially common in Grade 1 or Grade 2 degenerative cases because the surrounding spinal anatomy may conform to the shifted vertebra over time. For this reason, surgical or chiropractic realignment could possibly do more harm than good, since the surrounding tissues have adapted to their new position and are not causing the patient any discomfort.

Finding Relief from Spondylolisthesis Symptoms

If your doctor confirms that you are suffering from spondylolisthesis, he or she will likely recommend a regimen of conservative treatment that includes physical therapy, pain medication, hot/cold compresses, stretching, and periods of rest. Spondylolisthesis surgery should only be considered as a last resort, as many of these procedures are highly invasive and involve fusion of vertebrae, bone grafts, and stabilizing hardware. Minimally invasive outpatient procedures are available, though whether you qualify for this will depend entirely on the cause of your spondylolisthesis, the degree of slippage, and how severe your symptoms are. If your spondylolisthesis is severe and you are considering surgery, be sure to do your own research on all the procedures available to you and ask your doctor about the risks and projected recuperation periods of each.

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 spondylolisthesis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Spondylolisthesis