It is not the same as a herniated disc, although the two can coexist. (Read more about herniated discs.) With spondylolisthesis, the slippage is of the bony vertebra. With a herniated or ruptured disk, it's the soft interior of the spinal disc that “slips,” or bulges through a tear in the outer layer of the disc.
“When you have a herniated disc, the pain is usually constant. With spondylolisthesis, you tend to just have pain when you stand or walk.
Spondylosis is an aging phenomenon. With age, the bones and ligaments in the spine wear, leading to bone spurs (osteoarthritis). Also, the intervertebral discs degenerate and weaken, which can lead to disc herniation and bulging discs. Spondylosis is common.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis usually occurs in people over 60 years of age. In degenerative spondylolisthesis, what usually happens is that ongoing degeneration weakens the facet joints and disc, and (typically) the L4 vertebral body slips forward on the L5 vertebral body.
They are related but not the same. Spondylolysis: This spine defect is a stress fractures or crack in spine bones. It's common in young athletes. Spondylolisthesis: This condition is when a vertebra slips out of place, resting on the bone below it.
There are some other exercises that must be avoided in spondylolisthesis. These includes weightlifting, exercises that need you to twist or bend, high impact activities that put a lot of stress on the healing back, like jumping rope or box jumps.
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. Sitting slumped or hunched over.
Activity Modification and Bracing
Moderate, low-impact activities such as tai chi or swimming increase blood flow to the spine and can speed your recovery. Your doctor may also recommend wearing a back brace to support your lower back and prevent the spine from developing unusual curves.
Running, jumping, tennis, skiing, football, basketball, and weightlifting are all examples of high-impact activities that may cause spondylolisthesis flare-ups. These activities place a high amount of stress on the joints throughout your body, as well as the spinal structures.
Congenital spondylolisthesis
This type of spondylolisthesis occurs when the fetal spine doesn't form properly, leading to severe misalignment and disc slippage that can cause lifelong back issues.
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.
Walking is a good exercise for Spondylolisthesis. Work with what you are comfortable with, and don't push yourself past your limits. Stay away from any strenuous activity that affects your recovery.
In spondylolisthesis, one of the bones in your spine — called a vertebra — slips forward and out of place. This may occur anywhere along the spine, but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine). In some people, this causes no symptoms at all. Others may have back and leg pain that ranges from mild to severe.
The most common level it is found is at L5-S1, although spondylolisthesis can occur at L4-L5 and rarely at a higher level.
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, usually occurs in the lumbar spine, especially at L4-L5. It is the result of degenerative changes in the vertebral structure that cause the joints between the vertebrae to slip forward.
Although nonsurgical treatment is often successful, sometimes surgery is required to relieve the symptoms of spondylolisthesis and prevent the condition from worsening.
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.
Stretching your glute muscles can help to relieve tightness and tension. It can also lessen lower back pain, including pain caused by spondylolisthesis.
Your chiropractor can't reduce the grade of spondylolisthesis, but he or she will work to address any underlying mechanical or neurological causes of your symptoms.
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.
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.
Spondylolisthesis is generally not a serious or dangerous condition. Most patients with spondylolisthesis have few or no symptoms. Spondylolisthesis only becomes a concern when patients develop associated symptoms due to nerve compression (radiculopathy), disc degeneration or osteoarthritis.
Sleep on your back in a reclined position
If you have isthmic spondylolisthesis, this one may help you: If you find great relief from resting in a reclined chair, it may be worth investing in an adjustable bed for the best alignment and support.
If sleeping on your side is the most natural position for you, try to keep only a slight bend in your knees to minimize muscle tension.
In rare cases, it can lead to a loss of bladder or bowel control.