LUMBAR SPONDYLOLISTHESIS - DON'T LET BACK PAIN LAY YOU UPLumbar Spondylolisthesis is a structural abnormality of the spine in which a bone (vertebra) in the lower part of your spine slips forward in relation to the one below it. This forward slippage can cause low back pain and leg pain. The Greek origin of this word is “spondylos,” meaning vertebra, and “listhesis,” which means slippage. Spondylolisthesis is officially categorized into five different types by the Wiltse classification system: Dysplastic, Isthmic, Degenerative, Traumatic, and Pathologic.
For a detailed description of Isthmic Spondylolisthesis click here For information on Acquired Spondylolisthesis click here Spondylolisthesis doesn't seem to be congenital (present at birth), but develops during childhood or later in life. The disorder may result from physical stresses to the spine from carrying heavy things, weightlifting, football, gymnastics, trauma, or general wear and tear. A type of spondylolisthesis that doesn’t usually occur until after the age of 50 is degenerative spondylolisthesis.This may create a narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis). This condition is often treated with surgery. Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis can vary from no pain at all, to severe back and leg pain or stiffness. Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
• Leg pain • Hamstring muscle tightness • Numbness and tingling in the legs • Increased low back curvature (swayback) Nerve damage (leg weakness or changes in sensation) may result from pressure on nerve roots and may cause pain radiating down your legs. Causes of Lumbar SpondylolisthesisCauses of spondylolisthesis include trauma, degenerative arthritis, tumors, and birth defects. Repetitive low back hyperextension, common in gymnastics, diving, weightlifting and polevaulting, is thought to cause a defect in the vertebrae which leads to lumbar spondylolisthesis in greater numbers than the general population.Athletic activity resulting in stress on the spine may cause the development of spondylolisthes. In children, spondylolisthesis usually occurs between the fifth bone in the lower back (lumbar vertebra) and the first bone in the sacrum area. It is often due to a birth defect in that area of the spine. There may be gradual slipping, but the onset of pain can be sudden and severe. In adults, the most common cause is degenerative disease (such as arthritis). The slip usually occurs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Other causes of spondylolisthesis include stress fractures (commonly seen in gymnasts) and traumatic fractures. Spondylolisthesis may occasionally be associated with bone diseases. Diagnosis of spondylolisthesis is usually made from an X-ray exam of the spine which will show if a vertebra is out of place, and whether there are any fractures. Most spondylo's don't progress further than the original forward slippage. To be sure that the fracture is not still active in a young person, which would allow further slippage, an MRI or Bone Scan may need to be performed. To Your Best Health, Dr. Cliff
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