Spondylolisthesis - Medtick

Spondylolisthesis

What is it?

When one’s vertebra in the spine slips forward or backwards over the one below it.

  • It is more common as one gets older because the spine bones become ‘older’ and/or if one plays physical sports affecting the back and/or spinal injury.
  • Symptoms can range from none at all to severe pain caused by pressure on a nerve.

Types of spondylolisthesis include:

  • Isthmic spondylolisthesis: This type occurs as the result of spondylolysis, a condition that leads to small stress fractures (breaks) in the vertebrae. In some cases, the fractures weaken the bone so much that it slips out of place.
  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis: Degenerative spondylolisthesis is related to changes that tend to occur in the spine with age. For example, the discs can start to dry up and become brittle; as this occurs, they shrink and may bulge. Degenerative changes that affect the disc may give rise to spinal arthritis. Another common condition in degenerative spondylolisthesis is spinal stenosis, in which the bones narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord.
  • Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita: identified at birth, is the result of abnormal bone formation, leaving the vertebrae vulnerable to slippage.
  • Traumatic spondylolisthesis: With this, a spinal fracture or slippage occurs as a result of injury.
  • Pathological spondylolisthesis: In this case, spondylolisthesis is secondary to another disease, such as osteoporosis, a tumour, or an infection.
  • Post-surgical spondylolisthesis: When spine surgery results in slippage of the vertebrae, it is known as post-surgical spondylolisthesis.

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Diagnosis Tests

Cause

  • Birth defect in spine
  • Repetitive trauma to the spine – common in athletes such as gymnasts and weightlifters
  • Joints of the vertebrae becoming worn out
  • Arthritis
  • Sudden injury or trauma to the spine
  • Bone deformity
  • CARASIL
  • Spinal tumour

Syndromes

Symptoms

  • Lower back pain?
  • Pain gets worst during movement and calms down at rest?
  • Pain, numbness or a tingling sensation radiating from your lower back down your legs (sciatica)?
  • Tight hamstring muscles?
  • Stiffness and or numbness and/or tenderness in one lower back, thighs and buttocks?
  • Back curves outwards excessively?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an  ambulance if have or develop:


This condition can lead to:


This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Spondylolisthesis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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