Potential Repercussions of Spondylolisthesis in the Back
Spondylolisthesis in the back refers to the slippage of one vertebra over another. It can occur as a result of traumatic injury or a congenital abnormality, but is most often associated with the age-related deterioration of components of the spinal anatomy. For instance, degenerative disc disease can rob the intervertebral discs of the water content and flexibility they need to cushion the vertebrae. As a disc loses its sponge-like quality, the adjacent vertebral body can become displaced. Another age-related, underlying cause of spondylolisthesis is spinal osteoarthritis, which reduces stability within the vertebral joints.
Not Always Symptomatic
Regardless of how it develops, spondylolisthesis in the back will not always produce symptoms. The likelihood of pain, stiffness, and other symptoms will depend primarily on the severity of the displacement - generally, the more displaced the vertebral body, the less stable the vertebral segment.
Repercussions of spondylolisthesis in the back can include:
- Nothing noticeable - many people with a mild displacement of a vertebra never even know the condition is present.
- Mild back pain and stiffness - the soft tissues surrounding the displaced vertebra can become inflamed, causing flare-ups of pain and/or a temporary reduction in mobility.
- Radiculopathic symptoms - compression of adjacent nerve roots or the spinal cord can produce focal pain, radiating pain, tingling, numbness, and/or muscle weakness; these symptoms are known collectively as radiculopathy.
- Tissue and nerve damage - especially if the vertebral slippage is caused by traumatic injury, surrounding tissues and nerve structures may be permanently damaged without immediate medical care.
How to Treat Spondylolisthesis in the Back
While severe vertebral slippage may require urgent medical care - or even surgery - the symptoms associated with spondylolisthesis usually can be managed with a course of conservative, nonsurgical treatment. These methods often include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), exercise, stretching, corticosteroid injections, and others. Only about one in five spondylolisthesis patients turn to surgery for relief, and then only after several ineffective weeks or months of conservative treatment.
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