Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra has slipped forward over another one below it. This misalignment can cause impingement of the spinal nerves and/or fatigue of the back muscles, and may result in lower back and/or leg pain.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis is the most common form of the disorder. With aging, your discs – the cushions between the vertebral bones – lose water, becoming less spongy and are less able to resist movement by the vertebrae. It’s more common in people over age 50, with women being twice as likely as men to be diagnosed.
Symptoms of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative spondylolisthesis occurs when age-related changes in the spine cause one vertebra to slip forward over another. This shift can place pressure on nearby nerves and the spinal cord, leading to a range of symptoms that may develop gradually over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Lower back pain, which may worsen with standing or walking for extended period
- Leg pain or sciatica, caused by nerve compression and often felt as sharp, burning, or radiating pain
- Changes in walking pattern, such as a shuffling or unsteady gait
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the lower extremities, affecting balance and mobility
- Postural changes, including difficulty standing upright or noticeable changes in spinal alignment
Symptoms can progress if left untreated, making early evaluation and appropriate management important for preserving mobility and quality of life.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Treatment
Call 234.867.7965 to schedule an appointment with a Summa spine specialist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. If degenerative spondylolisthesis is established as a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
- Physical therapy and strengthening exercises
- Rest and a restriction of physical activity
- Injections (corticosteroids) to help reduce the pain and swelling
- Medications and analgesics to reduce pain and swelling
Surgery is an option if you have severe pain that doesn’t get better with nonsurgical treatment. Summa spine specialists practice minimally invasive spine surgery, a safer and effective alternative to traditional surgical options.
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Meet Our Spine Team
Part of the Summa Health Orthopedics Institute, our spine team is led by board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons who specialize in treating disorders of the spine.
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