Spondylosis involves the separation of the pars interarticularis. In contrast, spondylolisthesis is defined by a slipped vertebra. When one bone of the spine slips forward over another, it causes damage to the spinal structure. In some cases, a stress fracture may be to blame.
To help differentiate between them, they can be briefly described as follows: Spondylosis = an umbrella term for degenerative diseases of the spine, such as facet joint and disc degeneration that occur due to aging. Spondylolisthesis = when a vertebra slips forward, out of its regular anatomical place.
(Center) Spondylolysis occurs when there is a fracture of the pars interarticularis. (Right) Spondylolisthesis occurs when the vertebra shifts forward due to instability from the pars fracture.
Spondylolysis refers to a posterior defect in the vertebral body at the pars interarticularis. Usually, this defect is due to trauma or from a chronic repetitive loading and hyperextension. If this instability results in translation of the vertebral body, spondylolisthesis has occurred.
Quite often, a person who has spondylolysis (pars fracture) will also have some degree of spondylolisthesis (forward slippage of one spine bone on another). However, a person may have a spondylolysis without having spondylolisthesis, and a person may have spondylolisthesis without having a spondylolysis.
Sitting doesn't directly cause spondylolisthesis. However, in patients who have spondylolisthesis, sitting can trigger pain flare-ups. Specifically, sitting in a slouched, twisted, or bent position can lead to spondylolisthesis pain.
There should be restriction of heavy lifting; excessive bending, twisting, or stooping; and avoidance of any work or recreational activities that cause stress to the lumbar spine. Your physician will outline a rehabilitation program to return you to your activities as soon as possible.
What Makes Spondylolisthesis Worse? When you're living with spondylolisthesis, it's important to avoid movements which make the condition worse. Movements which may aggravate spondylolisthesis include: Repeated bending, extending, or twisting motions.
As a low-impact form of exercise, walking is an excellent way for patients to retain muscle strength and joint mobility without straining the lumbar spine. Spine specialists often recommend that spondylolisthesis patients start with short daily walks. Make sure to maintain a neutral, aligned spine as you walk.
Pain that fails to relieve predictably with rest (“night pain”) and associated constitutional symptoms (fever, chills, unintended weight loss) are always red flags for further investigation to avoid delays in making important diagnoses, such as malignancy or infection.
If a nerve is compressed, over time, spondylolisthesis can cause nerve damage, which may lead to paralysis. In some cases, spondylolisthesis can cause cauda equina syndrome — another spinal condition that is a medical emergency because if it is left untreated there is a high risk of paralysis.
Pain and soreness in the neck, shoulders, or lower back; pain may worsen with standing (if it originates in the lower back) or moving the head (if it originates in the neck) Stiffness. Tenderness. Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation that radiates down the arms or legs.
This weakness can cause the bones to slip forward out of normal position, called spondylolisthesis, and kink the spinal nerves. Treatment options include physical therapy to strengthen the muscles. A back brace may be used to support the spine. In some cases, surgery can realign and fuse the bones.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra over another) is caused by osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Most commonly, it involves the L4 slipping over the L5 vertebra. It most frequently affects people age 50 and older.
“When you have a herniated disc, the pain is usually constant. With spondylolisthesis, you tend to just have pain when you stand or walk.
Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis will often develop leg and/or lower back pain when slippage of the vertebrae begins to put pressure on the spinal nerves. The most common symptoms in the legs include a feeling of diffuse weakness associated with prolonged standing or walking.
Will spondylolisthesis go away on its own? While the condition won't go away on its own, you can often experience relief through rest, medication and physical therapy.
Non-fusion spinal decompression surgery is an emerging treatment option for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Talk to your physician today to learn more about this type of procedure and whether or not it could help you overcome debilitating symptoms.
The most common types of surgery used to correct spondylolisthesis are: laminectomy (removing the part of the bone causing pressure); and/or spinal fusion (fusing the vertebrae together to stabilize the affected area).
Stretching your glute muscles can help to relieve tightness and tension. It can also lessen lower back pain, including pain caused by spondylolisthesis.
Grade I spondylolisthesis is 1 to 25% slippage, grade II is up to 50% slippage, grade III is up to 75% slippage, and grade IV is 76-100% slippage. If there is more than 100% slippage, it is known as spondyloptosis or grade V spondylolisthesis.
If the spondylolisthesis is mobile, or increases with bending forwards and backwards, it is termed unstable. This is commonly associated with back pain. If there is no movement it is called a stable spondylolisthesis.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends trying nonsurgical treatments first. Spondylolisthesis is often treated through prescribed physical therapy, bracing, activity modification, and over-the-counter pain relief medicine to relieve discomfort and improve function.