Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis refers to the slipping of one vertebra of the spine on top of another so that the spine loses its normal alignment. When this happens, it usually occurs in the lumbar spine in the lower back. While spondylolisthesis can occur for various reasons, degenerative spondylolisthesis occurs as ligaments and joints in the spine weaken with age. Spondylolisthesis can be asymptomatic and never require treatment. When symptoms do occur, the first problem is often pain, either in the back, legs or both. Since spondylolisthesis can cause nerve compression, symptoms can progress to numbness, tingling or even weakness in the legs. Non-surgical treatment can include physical therapy and pain management. Sometimes surgery is needed, and this can consist of procedures to give the nerves room, or the fusion of bones together with hardware to prevent further slipping of bones.