Spondylolisthesis symptoms & treatment

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one of the bones (vertebrae) that make up your spine moves or slips out of alignment. The vertebra that moved may press on a nerve or nerve root and cause spondylolisthesis symptoms including pain and weakness.

Spondylolisthesis happens most often in the lower back (lumbar spine) and may be called lumbar spondylolisthesis. Chronic lower back pain and nerve damage may be the result of lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis can occur during growth spurts and is a common cause of back pain in teenagers. In adults, spondylolisthesis is usually due to a degenerative disease – like arthritis or bone disease – or a stress fracture (break).

Types of spondylolisthesis

• Congenital spondylolisthesis occurs when a baby is developing in the womb.
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis is the most common type and is caused by aging.
• Isthmic spondylolisthesis is the result of a condition called spondylolysis – small stress fractures in your vertebrae.
• Pathological spondylolisthesis can occur if your bones become weakened by an infection or by a disease like osteoporosis.
• Postsurgical spondylolisthesis can happen after certain surgical procedures.
• Traumatic spondylolisthesis results from an injury.

Grades of spondylolisthesis

Your doctor may describe your condition based on what grade of vertebra misalignment, or slippage, you have. Those grades are:

• Grade 1: Less than 25%
• Grade 2: 25-50%
• Grade 3: 50-75%
• Grade 4: More than 75%

Spondylolisthesis symptoms

Most people with spondylolisthesis have few or no symptoms and are advised that no treatment is needed. When they occur, spondylolisthesis symptoms can include:

• Lower back pain
• Muscle tightness (especially in your hamstrings)
• Numbness, pain or a tingling sensation in your thighs and buttocks
• Overall stiffness
• Tenderness in your back
• Weakness in your legs

Diagnosis of spondylolisthesis

When you see your doctor, they’ll perform a physical and examine your back. They may have you bend forward, backward and side-to-side to see if your movement is limited or if you have pain with motion.

They’ll also rule out other common causes of back pain, including a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

You’ll likely need an X-ray to determine whether one of your spine vertebrae are out of place. A CT scan (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can show which nerves are involved.

Treatment options for spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis treatment depends on the amount of vertebra slippage. Many people simply need rest, along with stretching and strengthening exercises. Nonsurgical spondylolisthesis treatments can include:

• Using a back brace to limit movement
• Pain relievers, such as anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen
• Physical therapy targeting your abdominal and back muscles
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

Most people get better after such nonsurgical treatments. In severe cases, spondylolisthesis surgery can stabilize your spine by fusing the slipped vertebra into place. Another surgical option is surgical decompression to remove pressure from nerves or nerve roots. Surgery may be considered necessary if your vertebra continues to move out of alignment and physical therapy or other conservative treatments aren’t working.

Find spine care near you

When you have degenerative disc disease, the Aurora spine program makes it easier for you to get back to the things that matter most. With a single entry point and your own care coordinator, you’ll be connected to an integrated team of specialists all working together on your personalized spondylolisthesis treatment plan. Learn more about our program locations in eastern Wisconsin.

Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center

Aurora BayCare Medical Center

Aurora Medical Center – Summit

Aurora Medical Center – Sheboygan County

Aurora Health Center – Burlington