Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that affects the lower vertebrae(spinal bones). This disease causes one of the lower vertebrae to slip forward onto the bone directly beneath it. It’s a painful condition but treatable in most cases.
Congenital spondylolisthesis: Congenital means “present at birth.” It is the result of abnormal bone formation.
Isthmic spondylolisthesis: a condition that leads to small stress fractures(breaks) in the vertebrae.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis: This is the most common form of the disorder. With aging, the discs lose water, becoming less spongy and less able to resist movement by the vertebrae.
Causes
- Trauma,degenerative, tumor, and birth defects
- Family history of back problems
- People who born with spondylosis
- Athletes such as gymnasts, weight lifters,
A radiologist determines the degree of slippage upon reviewing spinal x-rays Slippage is graded I through IV:
- Grade I: 1% to 25% slip
- Grade II: 26% to 50% slip
- Grade III: 51% to 75% slip
- Grade IV: 76% to 100% slip
Symptoms
- Persistent lower back pain
- Stiffness in the back and legs
- Lower back tenderness
- Thigh pain
- Tight hamstring and buttock muscles
- Lower back or leg pain
- Hamstring tightness,
- Numbness and tingling in the legs.