Symptoms Of Spondylolisthesis You Need To Watch Out For

Even if spondylolisthesis symptoms are varied, what they usually affect are the back and the legs. But spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis are 2 different things and it’s important we be clear about this first.

Spondylolysis is a defect in the formation of the spinal column, most commonly affecting the 5th lumbar vertebra or L5. Children that have this defect would have it since they were toddlers to adolescent age. It may have a genetic component since it is found much more commonly in certain racial groups, in particular among the Eskimos. However, children who are involved in certain sports like football and gymnastics can also have this because it puts stress on the back.

Most people are not aware that they have a problem because you’re symptom free with spondylolysis. Others may have some back pain as growing adolescents. However, at some point either during adolescence or later in life, the defect may lead to spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis is slippage of the vertebra. It may be caused by the slipping of a vertebra that was already affected by spondylolysis, or a vertebra that slips for other reasons. The most common other cause is degeneration of the spine associated with aging.

As a person grows older, the bones, joints and ligaments all become weaker and may degenerate. The joints and ligaments won’t be able to hold the spine together properly if this happens around the spine. The result is that parts of the spine (the vertebra) can slip out of position.

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis include a strange way of walking with the knees bent as well as poor posture. This happens because the slipped vertebra causes muscle spasms in the back. A stiff back and tight hamstrings is what these spasms lead to and so stretching the legs and taking normal length strides is difficult.

There may be referred pain down the legs and even back pain. Symptoms of spondylolisthesis can be similar to that of herniated disc such as leg pain, weakness, numbness, and feeling like an electric shock down the leg. These symptoms occur because spondylolisthesis can cause pinching of the spinal cord and nerves, which is also what happens with a herniated, ruptured or bulging disc.

How can you tell a spondylolisthesis from a herniated disc or other back problem? Through an x-ray. Because the radiographer can see the slipped vertebrae, a simple x-ray of the spine will easily identify spondylolisthesis.

Better to have a radiographer or doctor check you out in person rather than rely on online information or books. So if you think you or your kids have any spondylolisthesis symptoms, please see a doctor right away.

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