What Causes Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a spine condition where one of the bones in the vertebral columns slips out of place over the bone below it. This condition causes chronic back pain and weaknesses in the legs and can prevent you from leading an active lifestyle. The right pain management services can help relieve your pain by providing effective treatment for your condition. 

Causes of Spondylolisthesis

This condition may be caused by various factors, including:

Congenital Deformities

Some babies may have a misaligned spine if their bones don’t form properly during fetal growth. The misaligned vertebrae put babies at a higher risk of developing spondylolisthesis as they age.

Genetics 

The genetic makeup of a person may affect the thickness of their vertebrae. Thin spinal bones make a person more susceptible to the condition. Trauma on the thin part of the spinal column can cause the bones in the vertebral column to slip easily.

Age

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is common among older adults since aging causes weakness in the bones, joints, and tendons in the backbone. Older individuals also experience wear and tear that might change the structural alignment of the spine. The vertebral discs shorten, and the joints and ligaments that hold the spine in place weaken, increasing the risks of vertebral slippage. 

Trauma and Overuse

Spinal injuries can make your backbones crack or weaken, increasing the risk of future slippage. Engaging in sporting activities like gymnastics and weightlifting can strain your back and increase the risks of spine injuries. Falls and motor accidents can also cause sudden trauma to your back, misaligning your spinal column.

Pathologic Effects

Diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and tumors have degenerative effects on the spinal column. They can accelerate the weakening of spinal ligaments and joints, causing slippage in the vertebra. 

Signs and Symptoms

Lower back pain is the most common sign of spondylolisthesis, but people may experience other symptoms such as: 

• Muscle tightness, especially the muscles behind the thighs (hamstrings)
• Weakness in the legs 
• Pain or a tingling feeling rising from the lower back and down one leg
• Waddling or abnormal sway of the hips while walking
• Tenderness on the slippage area along the backbone
• Inability to move or sit upright

Symptoms of this condition can be mild or severe. If you’re asymptomatic, you may not exhibit symptoms despite having a slipped vertebra. Symptomatic individuals may experience one or more of these symptoms depending on the degree of slippage.

Diagnosis

Proper testing can help doctors accurately diagnose spondylolisthesis and administer an ideal treatment plan. Here are the tests and exams to diagnose the condition: 

Physical Tests

A physical test requires your doctor to observe your posture and how well and far you can move certain joints. Since spondylolisthesis affects your ability to walk properly, the doctor can ask you to walk as they watch. Your doctor can also examine your back to note its alignment and feel for muscle spasms.

Neurological Examination

This test will examine your reflexes, muscles, nerves, and pain reception. The neurological and physical exam results will show your doctor the severity of the slip and its effect on the quality of your life. 

Imaging 

You may be referred for a spine x-ray to help the specialist see the vertebral slip in detail. The x-ray may be performed at different angles to see if the spondylolisthesis remains stable as you move. Further imaging through a CT scan or MRI may be ordered, if necessary, to help the doctor view the state of your nerves and discs. 

Seek Quality Pain Management Services 

Spondylolisthesis is a painful spine condition that can hinder you from doing your daily activities, lowering your productivity. Professional pain management services can help treat the condition to relieve the symptoms and improve your quality of life. These services can offer treatment options like medication, physiotherapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of your condition.