Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis can cause pain and mobility issues throughout your body. If you suffer from symptoms like lower back pain or stiffness, book an appointment at Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio.

Led by board-certified neurosurgeon Kamal Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS, the practice offers several safe and effective treatments for spondylolisthesis.

Learn more about your options by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kamal Woods today!

What is spondylolisthesis?

What causes spondylolisthesis?

There are several causes of spondylolisthesis, including:

Congenital defect: Some individuals are born with a defect in the spine that predisposes them to this condition.
Stress fractures: Repetitive stress, particularly in athletes such as gymnasts or football players, can lead to small fractures in the vertebrae, causing them to slip.
Degenerative changes: As people age, the spine may degenerate, leading to slippage of the vertebrae.
Trauma: Sudden injury or trauma to the spine can cause vertebrae to slip out of alignment.
Pathological causes: Conditions such as osteoporosis or tumors can weaken the vertebrae and contribute to spondylolisthesis.

What are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis?

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of slippage:

Lower back pain: The most common symptom, pain often worsens with activity or standing and may ease with sitting.
Leg pain (sciatica): Nerve compression from the slipped vertebra can cause shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down one or both legs.
Stiffness: Limited mobility and stiffness in the lower back may develop.
Muscle weakness: Compression of the nerves may cause weakness in the legs or difficulty walking.
Tight hamstrings: Some patients develop tight hamstrings as a result of the altered posture and gait caused by spondylolisthesis.

How is spondylolisthesis diagnosed?

Dr. Woods will diagnose spondylolisthesis through:

Physical exam: He will assess your range of motion, reflexes, and symptoms to evaluate nerve compression and spine alignment.
Imaging tests:
- X-rays: These can clearly show the degree of vertebral slippage and help classify the severity of the condition.
- MRI or CT scan: These advanced imaging tools provide detailed views of the spinal cord and nerves, helping to detect nerve compression or other spinal abnormalities.

What are treatment options for spondylolisthesis?

Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms and the degree of vertebral slippage:

Non-surgical treatments:
- Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the back, abdomen, and legs can improve spinal support and relieve symptoms.
- Bracing: A brace may be recommended to stabilize the spine and limit movement while the vertebra heals or realigns.
- Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation around the affected area and provide pain relief.
Surgical treatments:
- Spinal fusion: If conservative treatments fail or the slippage is severe, spinal fusion surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine. Dr. Woods specializes in minimally invasive fusion techniques to reduce recovery time and pain.
- Decompression surgery: In some cases, Dr. Woods may remove bone or soft tissue that is compressing the nerves to relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Artificial disc replacement: In some cases, the damaged disc may be removed and replaced with an artificial disc to restore normal movement and relieve pain.