Spondylolisthesis - An Introduction

Spondylolisthesis is one of these conditions and it occurs after stress fracture of a vertebra. If the stress fracture is not treated then one vertebra slides forward with respect to another and spondylolisthesis is the result. If there is only a stress fracture with any sliding of the vertebra the client is said to suffer from spondylolysis.

Spondylolisthesis is considered to occur most often between the S1 and L5 vertebrae during to the angle of the L5-S1 junction with respect to gravity. The condition will be amplified if the sufferer has excessive lumbar lordosis as the lordosis will tilt the lower lumbar vertebrae forward to increase the likelihood of slide. Children, young and older adults can all suffer from spondylolisthesis and the severity is generally classified as Grade 1, 2, 3 or 4, the grade is a function of the amount of slippage.



There are a number of causes of spondylolisthesis. These include severe trauma, fracture to a part of the bone, or a degeneration of the vertebra/disc. Those who partake in sports that involves repetitive flexion and extension of the spine are particularly at risk of spondylolisthesis (eg gymnastics, rowing, weightlifting and butterfly swimming).

---

---

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis
The typical symptom of spondylolisthesis is an aching dull sensation generally in the lower lumber area. There may be pain in the buttocks or the back of the thighs. Typically there will be tender areas in the muscles and soft tissues in the lower lumbar region. However applying pressure around this area may increase pain levels if anterior pressure is pushes the vertebra further forward, enhancing the pain sensation. With spondylolisthesis, there is typically more pain if the client extends the lumbar spine whereas flexion tends to decrease the amount of pain as the vertebra will move more towards a normal position.



Treatment of s spondylolisthesis may include immobilisation of the lumbosacral region through the wearing of a suitable lumber belt. Rest (maybe coupled with very conservative physiotherapy) is indicated. Surgery may be necessary if the severity is high grade.

Please note: a practitioner must always be aware of any recent activities that the client tells them that may indicate the possibility of spondylolisthesis. If it may be a possible cause of client pain then a client should be referred onto a physician before any massage or soft tissue work is undertaken. Whilst massage may be helpful in reducing some of the tightness associated with spondylolisthesis caution must be applied as releasing muscles such as tight hamstrings may actually increase the likelihood of vertebral slippage as the anterior pelvic tilt increases.

---

---

Other General Health Articles