Spondylolisthesis

SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward onto the vertebrae below it. This produces both a gradual deformity of the lower spine and also a narrowing of the vertebral canal. It is often associated with pain.

The most common symptom of spondylolisthesis is lower back pain. Sometimes, a person can develop the lesion (spondylolysis) at a younger age and not have any symptoms until they are 35 years old when a sudden twisting or lifting motion will cause an acute episode of back and leg pain.

The degree of vertebral slippage does not directly correlate with the amount of pain a person will experience. Some people with spondylolisthesis will associate an injury with the onset of their symptoms.

In addition to back pain, someone with spondylolisthesis may complain of leg pain. In this situation, there can be associated narrowing of the area where the nerves leave the spinal canal that irritates a nerve root.

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