Spondylolisthesis in the lower back, or lumbar region of the spine, is a fairly common condition involving the forward displacement of one vertebra over the one below it. While vertebral slippage can occur in any area of the spine, the condition is diagnosed frequently in the lumbar region. There are a number of situations that can lead to a vertebra slipping out of place in the lower back, namely because the area’s high level of mobility and weight-bearing responsibilities can lead to an increased level of wear and tear over time.

As a result, degenerative changes in the spine can develop and are simply blamed on the normal process of aging. Through the years, intervertebral discs dehydrate and lose height, which means they are less likely to provide proper support to adjacent vertebrae. The facet joints (where vertebrae connect and articulate) can become overworked, arthritic, and inflamed, and may eventually lose holding power in a vertebral segment. This could cause one vertebra in a weakened segment to slip forward over the other.

Other Causes

There are additional causes of spondylolisthesis in the lower back besides degenerative changes. The following situations can lead to vertebral slippage:

– A spinal birth defect – A birth defect in the articular processes of the vertebra (or the area that controls vertebral movement) makes this area inherently weak. Vertebral slippage usually occurs in the L5-S1 region (last lumbar vertebra and first sacral vertebra) and is classified as dysplastic or congenital spondylolisthesis.

– Pars interarticularis problems – The pars interarticularis is a small bone segment of the lamina and is located between the facet joints. Excessive hyperextension (bending backward) can cause micro-fractures over time, which weakens the pars. Gymnasts, football players, and weightlifters often develop spondylolisthesis in the lower back for this reason. Sometimes, the small fractures start to heal abnormally with extra bone material, lengthening the segment to the point of vertebral displacement. Also, if a weakened pars interarticularis completely fractures, the affected vertebra could easily slip out of place. Vertebral displacement caused by pars weakness is called isthmic spondylolisthesis.

– Vertebral fractures – Traumatic spondylolisthesis occurs when another area of a vertebra besides the pars interarticularis fractures. For example, if the facet joints fracture due to a traumatic injury, the front portion of a vertebra would separate from the back segment, which may cause the affected bone to shift out of place.

– Disease or infection – Sometimes pathologic spondylolisthesis affects the lower back after a tumor or spinal infection weakens and fractures one or more vertebrae.

– Post-surgical weakening – In other cases of vertebral slippage, a previous surgical procedure (usually a laminectomy) weakens the pars interarticularis and causes spondylolisthesis. Patients with post-surgical spondylolisthesis may be diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome, a condition involving the continuing or worsening of symptoms after spine surgery.

Possible Symptoms

Spondylolisthesis in the lower back can cause localized pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, tight hamstrings, and a reduced range of motion. If the slipped vertebra compresses the spinal cord or a nerve root, radiating symptoms of tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness may also arise. Additionally, there are several visually apparent symptoms that a doctor may recognize immediately as lumbar spondylolisthesis, including lordosis, or swayback (abnormal inward curvature of the lower back), a protruding belly, and a waddling gait.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms associated with lumbar vertebral slippage, call your primary care physician or a spine specialist today.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of spondylolisthesis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spondylolisthesis