Spondylolisthesis

Many people have heard of a slipped disk in the back. But perhaps you’re less familiar with slipped vertebrae. When the bones of your spine slip out of place, it’s known as spondylolisthesis.

Our specialists have the expertise and experience to treat the many types of spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of your vertebrae moves forward, backward or onto the vertebra below it. If the vertebra puts pressure on a nerve, it may cause pain.

Lumbar spondylolisthesis is the most common. It occurs in your lower back . You may also experience cervical spondylolisthesis in your upper back and neck region or thoracic spondylolisthesis in your middle back.

Spondylolisthesis doesn’t always cause symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, they may include:

• Back or neck pain, sometimes radiating to the arms or legs.
• Tightness or spasms in your hamstrings (the muscles in the back of your thigh).
• Trouble standing or walking.

Each type of spondylolisthesis has a different cause.

Doctors talk with you about your symptoms and do a complete exam to help make a diagnosis. They also rely on imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans.

The severity of your condition and other factors, such as your age and medical history, guide decisions about treatment. Doctors usually first recommend non-surgical spondylolisthesis treatments, including:

• Braces
• Physical therapy
• Rest
• Steroid injections
• Pain medication

Surgery. If you have severe spondylolisthesis or your symptoms don’t get better with non-surgical treatments, doctors may recommend surgery. Typically, surgery involves a decompression procedure to take pressure off the affected nerves. Surgeons then do spinal fusion to stabilize the affected vertebrae.