Condition · lumbar

Spondylolisthesis

One vertebra slips forward on the one below. Ranges from an incidental radiological finding to severe mechanical low back pain.

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, disrupting spinal alignment.

This slippage can compress spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as lower back pain, stiffness, muscle tightness, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.

Common causes include congenital defects, trauma, degenerative changes, or stress fractures. It is often classified by severity, ranging from mild to severe slippage.

Treatment depends on the degree of slippage and symptoms, and may include physical therapy, pain management, bracing, or surgery in more advanced cases to stabilize the spine.