About the condition

What is lumbar spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a term referring to spinal instability, where bones within the spinal columns are prone to slide forward over the vertebra below. The condition is often painful and can reduce general mobility and movement. The slippage often compresses nearby nerves.

There are several types of lumbar spondylolisthesis:

Congenital spondylolisthesis(Type I)– occurs at childbirth, where the spine is misaligned and not fully formed, placing higher risk of slippage in adulthood
Isthmic spondylolisthesis (Type II)– occurs as a result ofspondylosis, where the crack or fracture causes bone weakness
Degenerative spondylolisthesis (Type III)– the most common, occurs due to aging, which in turn increases the likelihood of thinning discs prone to slippage
Traumatic spondylolisthesis (Type IV)– caused by fractures in other parts of the spine (e.g.,facet joints), typically though trauma like a motor vehicle accident
Pathological spondylolisthesis (Type V)– caused by a pathological disease (e.g., osteoporosis,osteoarthritis) or tumour
Post-surgical spondylolisthesis (Type VI)– where slippage occurs due to spinal surgery
Retrololistheis (Type VII)– thebackward slippage of vertebrae

Causes

What are the causes?

The cause of lumbar spondylolisthesis greatly varies depending on age, lifestyle and a family history of the condition. It can present at birth/childhood through to rapid growth in adolescence and general aging in adulthood.

Other factors may affect susceptibility to developing lumbar spondylolisthesis, including:

Certain sports which may overstretch and stress the back (e.g., football, gymnastics, track & field, weightlifting, etc.)
Physical labour, with repetitive bending, twisting, pulling and pushing actions
Sudden injury or trauma to the spine
Pre-existing pathological conditions (e.g., osteoporosis,arthritis)
Spinal surgeries

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Lower back pain
Worsening pain after periods of activity
Pain and/or weakness in one or both thighs/legs
Tight hamstring muscles
Nerve pain (tingling, numbness, pins & needles)
Muscle spasms
Change in gait patterns

Treatment

Treatment for lumbar spondylolisthesis

As there are different levels of vertebrae slippage, you may be referred to get scans (X-ray, MRI and/or CT). A physiotherapist will grade your condition depending on the slippage as either:

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a treatment plan to best fit your recovery goals through:

Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to usespinal support (braces) or to improve gait and posture throughcustom foot orthoticsand othersupportive footwearoptions.

High Grade (Grade III & IV)– surgical intervention may be necessary depending on the cause, severity of the slippage and pain experienced.
Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
Stretching exercises
Strengthening, conditioning and balance techniques
Restoring range of movement
Postural improvement
Dry needling
Taping
Shockwave Therapy
Home exercise and self-management techniques
Graded Exposure to load program

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What is lumbar spondylolisthesis?

What are the causes?

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for lumbar spondylolisthesis

Treating Lumbar Spondylolisthesis in Sinnamon Park

Get it assessed properly