The most common area for spondylolisthesis to occur is within the bottom level of the lumbar spine between L5-S1. This slippage can lead to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots which can cause back pain as well as numbness and weakness in both legs. However, not all symptoms are immediately prominent.
Adult isthmic spondylolisthesis most commonly occurs at the L5–S1 level of the lumbar spine. Its incidence has been reported to be 4% by the age of 6 years and 6% by adulthood. Multiple classification systems have been established to help describe the amount of slippage present and attempt to determine etiology.
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.
Lumbar spondylolisthesis is seen in 4–6% of the general population [4, 5]. It commonly occurs at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae (L4 and L5) and accounts for more than 95% of the total cases of spondylolisthesis.
Spondylolisthesis most commonly occurs at the L5-S1 level with an anterior translation of the L5 vertebral body on the S1 vertebral body. The L4-5 level is the second most common location for spondylolisthesis.
Treatment of L5-S1 usually begins with: Medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually tried first for pain stemming from L5-S1. For more severe pain, prescription medication, such as opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids may be used.
Isthmic spondylolisthesis occurs most often at L5-S1, and is more often seen in younger adults than degenerative spondylolisthesis. The cause is a defect in an important bridge bone (the pars interarticularis) of L5.
Severe cases may also cause compression the spinal cord which may manifest as weakness or impaired motor function in the arms or hands, or other symptoms in a condition called cervical myelopathy.
Spondylosis can lead to spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. As a result, the spinal cord and/or spinal nerve roots can become compressed (pinched). For example, the cervical spinal cord can be affected by compression from spondylosis.
When there are symptoms, back pain and stiffness are the main ones. They are usually worse in the morning and get better throughout the day. If bony growths are pushing against a nerve root or the spinal cord, you may have numbness, tingling, weakness, or an aching, shooting pain in your buttock and leg.
A syndrome with perianal sensory deficit, paralysis of the sphincter, and sexual dysfunction may occur in patients with lumbar L5-S1 disc disease.
This syndrome is a medical emergency and typically causes severe pain, weakness, numbness, and/or tingling in the groin, genital region, and/or both legs. There may also be loss of bowel and/or bladder control.
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.
There are a few common conditions that L5-S1 surgery treats. You may be a candidate for this disc replacement procedure if you live with any of the following spinal problems: Herniated disc with back and leg pain. Disc degeneration: your spinal discs have worn out, broken down, or been pushed out of place.
Symptoms of an L5-S1 pinched nerve include pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Nerve pain is described as having burning, sharp, or throbbing like-symptoms that travel to the lower limbs giving patients sciatica-like pain.
The principal symptoms that aggravate lumbar spondylosis are lifting excessive loads, particularly where the back is unprotected. Lifting large loads away from the body and also any lifting which involves a rotational movement can be especially harmful.
avoiding activities that make symptoms worse, such as bending, lifting, athletics and gymnastics. taking anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or stronger painkillers on prescription. steroid injections in your back to relieve pain, numbness and tingling in your leg.
Lumbar spondylosis
Sitting for a long time causes pain and other symptoms. Pain gets worse with repeated movements, such as lifting and bending.
Because spondylosis is a degenerative process, it is irreversible, and treatment focuses on relieving back and neck pain.
Life expectancy for people with ankylosing spondylitis is the same as that of the general population, except for patients with severe symptoms and complications. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease.
Occasionally, people will ask the question, “Is spondylosis the same thing as degenerative disc disease, or DDD?” The answer is “basically, yes.” The terms are often used interchangeably. (A third term, more accurate than DDD, is “disc degeneration.”)
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Spondylolysis? Lower back pain is the most common symptom of spondylolysis. It usually gets worse during exercise or other physical activity, especially those where someone leans back a lot. Spondylolysis also can cause buttock and leg pain, and tight hamstrings.