Spondylolisthesis

The term Spondylolisthesis is formed by the Greek words “spondylos” and “listhesis”, meaning ‘spine’ and ‘to slide or slip’, respectively. As these words themselves explain, Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebrae in the spine slides over to the vertebrae below it. It most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine.

This problem begins when one or more of the spinal joints allow vertebrae to become misaligned and the vertebrae begin to slide out of their normal anatomical position.

Numerous underlying issues can cause of this condition, including:

• Spinal Arthritis
• Accident or other trauma to the spine
• A birth defect
• Spinal fracture
• Degenerative Disc Disease

This condition can also occur in teens and children who are regularly involved in sports. Sports such as weight lifting and gymnastics cause overuse of some of the joints in the spine, leading to stress fractures in vertebrae. Stress fractures in the spine are one of the main causes of Spondylolisthesis.

The condition varies from mild to severe. Therefore, the symptoms and signs can be different too.

Some of these symptoms may be:

• Lower back pain
• Stiffness
• Muscle tightness
• Weakness in legs
• Numbness or tingling in legs