Spondylolisthesis :

This condition is when a vertebra slips out of place , resting on the bone below it

Causes :

 i) Degeneration. The disc between the vertebrae and the facet joint can wear down .

 ii) Spondylolysis

Bone of the facet joints actually grows back and over grows, causing an uneven and unstable surface area . These makes the vertebra less able to stay in place .

No matter the cause , when the vertebra slips out place , it puts the pressure on the bone below it.Most cases of spondylolisthesis do not cause symptoms. If you feel leg pain, it can also be caused by compression or a "pinching" of the nerve roots that exit the spinal canal (the tunnel created by the interlocking vertebrae of the spine). The compression or pinching is due to the vertebrae slipping out of position and narrowing the needed space for the nerves.

Types Of Spondylolisthesis :

     1) Congenital Spondylolisthesis :

     occurs when a baby’s spine doesn’t form the way it should before birth. The mis-aligned vertebrae put the person at risk for slippage later in life.

    2) Isthmic Spondylolisthesis :

    It happens as a result of spondylolysis. The crack or fracture weakens the bone.

   3) Degenerative Spondylolisthesis :

   The most common type, happens due to aging. Over time, the disks that cushion the vertebrae lose water. As the disks thin, they are more likely to slip out of place.

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis :

You may not experience any symptoms of spondylolisthesis. Some people have the condition and don’t even know it.

If you do have symptoms, lower back pain is typically the main one.

The pain may extend to the buttocks and down the thighs.

You may also experience:

 i) Muscle spasms in the hamstring (muscles in the back of the thighs).

 ii) Back stiffness.

 iii) Difficulty walking or standing for long periods.

 iv) Pain when bending over.

 v) Numbness, weakness or tingling in the foot.

Treatment of Spondylolisthesis :

         Conservative :

         i) Physiotherapy

        ii) Brace

       iii)  Analgesia

       Surgery :

       When the conservative methods are not effective and not giving relief

       i) Have high-grade spondylolisthesis.

      ii) Experience severe pain.

      Surgery  :

      i) Surgery for back pain due to spondylolisthesis typically involves spinal decompression, with or without fusion.

     ii) Decompression alone is almost never done in isthmic spondylolisthesis. Studies show fusion with decompression may give better outcome than decompression alone.

    iii)  During a decompression surgery, your surgeon removes bone and disk from the spine. This procedure gives the nerves space inside the spinal canal, relieving pain