SPONDYLOLISTHESIS SYMPTOMSSpondylolisthesis Symptoms range from very mild all the way to severe back and leg pain. Many of the patients I saw for back pain relief had spondylolisthesis for years without having symptoms. They probably developed spondylolisthesis as a child and didn’t have pain until lifting something heavy or having some trauma to their back as an adult. Spondylolisthesis symptoms are seen most often in children and teenagers who are involved in sports that require bending far backward. This is called hyperextension and is seen in gymnastics, dance, diving, pole-vaulting, etc. Remember, a spondylolisthesis is a bone in your spine slipping forward on top of the one below it. Sometimes it can slip so far forward that pressure is put on the spinal cord or nerve roots coming off the spinal cord.
Most Common Spondylolisthesis Symptoms• Lower back pain• Leg pain • Stiffness • Hamstring muscle tightness • Numbness and tingling in the legs • Increased low back curvature (swayback) Nerve damage (leg weakness or changes in sensation) can occur from pressure on nerve roots and may cause pain radiating down your legs. Prognosis of SpondylolisthesisThe outlook for patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis is good. Most people with spondylolisthesis respond well to conservative treatment, without the need for surgery.Patients who fail to improve with conservative treatment may be a candidate for surgery.
For complete information on the best treatment options for lumbar spondylolisthesis click here Prevention of SpondylolisthesisPeople with excessive forward curvature of the lower back ( lordosis) should avoid back hyperextension (bending backwards), weight lifting, and contact sports.Lower back pain, although common in preadolescent and adolescent children, should be evaluated by a chiropractor or medical doctor, especially if there is excessive forward curvature of the lower back. How is Spondylolisthesis Diagnosed?X-rays of the spine is the most common way a diagnosis is made in someone with spondylolisthesis symptoms. It is best seen on an x-ray taken from the side (lateral view).When a young person who is playing sports starts complaining of back pain or tightness in the back of their legs, they should have x-rays taken. Occasionally a CT scan (Cat Scan) is required for the doctor to see what she needs to make an accurate diagnosis.
Grades of Lumbar SpondylolisthesisSpondylolisthesis can be described according to its degree of severity. One commonly used description grades spondylolisthesis with grade 1 being least advanced, and grade 5 being most advanced.The spondylolisthesis is graded by measuring how much of your vertebral body has slipped forward over the body beneath it.
• Grade 2 is 25–50% • Grade 3 is 50–75% • Grade 4 is 75–100% • Grade 5 is when the vertebral body slips completely off the one below it (spondyloptosis) Complications of Spondylolisthesis• Chronic back pain• Nerve compression • Temporary or permanent damage of spinal nerve roots, which may cause sensation changes, weakness, or paralysis of the legs. When to contact a doctor Call your health care provider if: • Your back appears to curve excessively • You have severe or unresolved back pain or stiffness • You have pain in your thighs and buttocks To Your Best Health, Dr. Cliff
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