Spondylitis

What Is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that affects the lower vertebrae (spinal bones). This disease causes one of the lower vertebras to slip forward onto the bone directly beneath it. This is a painful condition, but it is treatable in most cases. Both therapeutic and surgical methods may be used. Proper exercise techniques can help you avoid this condition.

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis

The symptoms of spondylolisthesis vary. People with mild cases may not have any symptoms. However, people with severe cases may be unable to perform daily activities. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• persistent lower back pain
• stiffness in your back and legs
• lower back tenderness
• thigh pain
• tight hamstring and buttock muscles

Treating Spondylolisthesis

The treatment for spondylolisthesis depends on your severity of pain and vertebra slippage. Nonsurgical treatments can help ease pain and encourage the bone to go back into place. It's important to avoid contact sports during the healing process.

Common nonsurgical treatment methods include:

• wearing a back brace
• doing physical therapy exercises
• taking over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) to reduce pain
• using epidural steroid injections