Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a medical condition where one of the vertebrae of the spine slides forward over the bone below it. This can occur in any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine). The severity of the condition can vary from mild to severe. In some cases, the patient may not experience any symptoms, while in others, it can cause severe back pain and nerve problems.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Spondylolisthesis can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Congenital abnormalities: Some people are born with a spine that is more likely to slip forward.
Degenerative diseases: Conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can weaken the bones and joints in the spine, making them more likely to slip.
Trauma: Injuries to the spine can cause the vertebrae to slip forward.
Tumors: In rare cases, tumors can cause spondylolisthesis.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of spondylolisthesis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They can include:

Lower back pain
Stiffness in the back and legs
Pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs
Difficulty walking
Loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Spondylolisthesis is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. These can include:

X-ray: This can show if any of the vertebrae have slipped forward.
MRI: This can provide a detailed image of the spine and can show if any of the nerves are being compressed.
CT scan: This can provide a detailed image of the bones in the spine.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for spondylolisthesis depends on the severity of the condition. It can include:

Physical therapy: This can help to strengthen the muscles in the back and improve flexibility.
Pain medication: This can help to manage the pain associated with the condition.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the vertebrae and relieve pressure on the nerves.

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Translate this page: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.