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Facts and Tips about Spondylolisthesis

  • Spondylolisthesis is easier to understand if you separate the word into two parts. Spondylo means spine and listhesis means slippage. Put it back together and spondylolisthesis means one vertebral body slips forward over the one beneath.

  • Spondylolisthesis is a common cause of back pain in teenagers. Sometimes symptoms develop during a growth spurt.

  • The severity of a spondylolisthesis is graded on a scale from one to five. Grade 1 is a forward slip between 1-25% and grade five is 76-100%.

  • Although an ordinary x-ray can detect a spondylolisthesis, an MRI is needed to view involvement of spinal nerves. Spinal nerve compression can cause pain and other symptoms.

  • Most patients with a spondylolisthesis lead full lives. However, chronic pain related to a spondylolisthesis can result in inactivity. Inactivity increases the risk for weight gain, loss of bone mineral density, and muscle strength. Proper care by a spine specialist is suggested.

  • It may not be possible to prevent a spondylolisthesis, but eating right, maintaining normal body weight, and regular strengthening exercises are always healthy choices.
Last Updated: 02/18/2008
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