What Are The Types Of Spondylolisthesis?
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Spondylolisthesis a condition where a vertebra is displaced either forward or backward over the bone below it. Anterolisthesis is the term coined for the anterior displacement of the vertebra while retrolisthesis is the term for the posterior or backward movement of the vertebra. Spondylolisthesis can often lead to spinal stenosis which is the narrowing or constriction of the spinal canal leading to compression and pinching of nerve endings and roots. There are different types of Spondylolisthesis. Isthmic Spondylolisthesis is one type where the defect of the vertebra is at the pars interarticularis. This type is usually caused by constant and repetitive injury to the back and is most commonly seen athletes. Another type of Spondylolisthesis is Dysplastic Spondylolisthesis. The facet in the vertebral column slips forward because when the vertebra was developing, it was not formed correctly. This is a congenital type of Spondylolisthesis meaning people with this type of condition was born with the defect already. The third type of Spondylolisthesis is the degenerative type. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis happens when an older person’s vertebrae degenerates causing them to slip. It is often associated with arthritis.
Another type of Spondylolisthesis is the traumatic type. From the term itself, traumatic Spondylolisthesis is the product of trauma or direct injury to the back and spine. A simple fracture of a vertebra can cause the disc to slip, or fragments that may have separated from the structure may cause the spine to misalign. Pathologic Spondylolisthesis is the fifth type and is usually due to a tumor and a defect in the bone itself. Having a family history does increase a person’s risk of acquiring the condition and Being a gymnast or a contortionist who always hyperextend the back may also pose as a risk for the disease. Even weight lifters are at risk. When weight lifters carry 500 pound weights on their shoulder, the pressure exerted from one vertebral disc to another increases. In some cases, because of the degeneration of the discs, the vertebral disc slips to counter the extreme pressure that is being exerted.
Symptoms of this condition may include lower back pain. The pain that the person experiences in this disease is further aggravated by exercise and movement. Due to nerve compression, the person might feel weakness and numbing on the lower legs. The range of motion will be limited on the back and he or she would feel tightness in that area. Diagnosis is simply one through x-rays. Additional imaging studies may be prescribed to check the cause of pain, numbness and tingling. This may indicate that the Spondylolisthesis had caused spinal stenosis and nerve pinching and will require more attention. Rest is the primary secret to treating this condition. Physical therapy can also be advised to help the patient regain normal body movements. Medications specifically anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pressure and pain on the back. Cortisone injections may be administered for the relief of lower leg weakness and numbing. There are also surgeries that can be done to treat Spondylolisthesis but it always depends on the severity and the cause of the condition.
Another type of Spondylolisthesis is the traumatic type. From the term itself, traumatic Spondylolisthesis is the product of trauma or direct injury to the back and spine. A simple fracture of a vertebra can cause the disc to slip, or fragments that may have separated from the structure may cause the spine to misalign. Pathologic Spondylolisthesis is the fifth type and is usually due to a tumor and a defect in the bone itself. Having a family history does increase a person’s risk of acquiring the condition and Being a gymnast or a contortionist who always hyperextend the back may also pose as a risk for the disease. Even weight lifters are at risk. When weight lifters carry 500 pound weights on their shoulder, the pressure exerted from one vertebral disc to another increases. In some cases, because of the degeneration of the discs, the vertebral disc slips to counter the extreme pressure that is being exerted.
Symptoms of this condition may include lower back pain. The pain that the person experiences in this disease is further aggravated by exercise and movement. Due to nerve compression, the person might feel weakness and numbing on the lower legs. The range of motion will be limited on the back and he or she would feel tightness in that area. Diagnosis is simply one through x-rays. Additional imaging studies may be prescribed to check the cause of pain, numbness and tingling. This may indicate that the Spondylolisthesis had caused spinal stenosis and nerve pinching and will require more attention. Rest is the primary secret to treating this condition. Physical therapy can also be advised to help the patient regain normal body movements. Medications specifically anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pressure and pain on the back. Cortisone injections may be administered for the relief of lower leg weakness and numbing. There are also surgeries that can be done to treat Spondylolisthesis but it always depends on the severity and the cause of the condition.