Pronounced: spoan-de-LOW-les-THE-sis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the vertebrae of the spinal column slips out of alignment, moving forward on the vertebra below.
Spondylolisthesis is most often caused by a stress fracture of a vertebra, which often occurs in sports activities that put a lot of stress and pressure on the back or overstretches the spine. The condition can also result from congenital disorders of the spine, which are disorders that are present at birth.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors may increase your risk of spondylolisthesis:
In many cases of spondylolisthesis, there are no obvious symptoms. But symptoms may include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Physical therapy for spondylolisthesis usually involves exercise, especially exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles and the extensor muscles of the back. A back brace may also be recommended.
If you are overweight, your doctor may instruct you to lose weight.
Pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be recommended to help manage pain.
Steroid medication injections may help reduce pain. These injections are given around the nerves that exit the spinal cord.
If the slippage of the vertebra is severe or if your pain does not respond to other treatments, surgery may be recommended. This may involve fusing two of the vertebra together in a procedure known as spinal fusion .
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
North American Spine Society
http://www.spine.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org
References:
Spondylolisthesis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed July 2, 2007.
Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=155&topcategory=Spine . Accessed July 2, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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