Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. This condition most often affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and can lead to pain and nerve compression.
The severity can range from mild slippage with no symptoms to more significant displacement that affects nerves and stability of the spine.
Symptoms depend on how much the vertebra has shifted and whether nerves are affected.
Common symptoms include:
Severe cases may cause cauda equina syndrome, which includes loss of bowel or bladder control and requires urgent treatment.
Spondylolisthesis can develop from several underlying conditions.
Common causes include:
These factors can weaken the spine and allow vertebrae to shift.
Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical examination. A doctor will assess pain, movement, and nerve function.
Imaging tests may include:
These tests help determine the severity and guide treatment.
Most cases are treated with non-surgical care.
Common treatment options include:
If symptoms persist, epidural steroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation around nerves.
Surgery may be required in severe cases, especially with nerve compression or spinal instability. Procedures may include decompression (laminectomy) or spinal fusion to stabilize the spine.
Persistent lower back pain, neck pain, or radiating nerve pain should not be ignored. Early evaluation allows for proper diagnosis and targeted treatment, helping prevent progression and long-term complications.