Spondylolisthesis symptoms can be many and varied, but they usually affect the back and the legs. Before we look at spondylolisthesis symptoms in detail, let's be sure that we are clear about the difference between spondylolisthesis and the similar sounding spondylolysis.
Spondylolysis is a defect in the formation of the spinal column, most commonly affecting the 5th lumbar vertebra or L5. This defect appears in children from toddler to adolescent age. It may have a genetic component since it is found much more commonly in certain racial groups, in particular among the Eskimos. But it is also thought to be produced in children who are involved in certain sports that put stress on the back, such as weight lifting, football and gymnastics.
Many children and young people with spondylolysis are symptom free and are not aware that they have the problem. Others may have some back pain as growing adolescents. However, at some point either during adolescence or later in life, the defect may lead to spondylolisthesis.
Spondylolisthesis is slippage of the vertebra. It may be caused by the slipping of a vertebra that was already affected by spondylolysis, or a vertebra that slips for other reasons. The most common other cause is degeneration of the spine associated with aging.
As a person grows older, the bones, joints and ligaments all become weaker and may degenerate. When this happens around the spine, the joints and ligaments can become unable to hold the spine together properly. The result is that parts of the spine (the vertebra) can slip out of position.
Spondylolisthesis symptoms can include poor posture and a strange way of walking with the knees bent. This happens because the slipped vertebra causes muscle spasms in the back. These spasms lead to a stiff back and tight hamstrings, making it difficult to stretch the legs and take normal length strides.
At the same time there is likely to be back pain, or perhaps referred pain down the legs. In some cases spondylolisthesis symptoms can be very similar to the symptoms of a herniated disc, including a feeling like an electric shock going down the leg, leg pain, numbness and weakness. These symptoms occur because spondylolisthesis can cause pinching of the spinal cord and nerves, which is also what happens with a herniated, ruptured or bulging disc.
So how do you know if you have spondylolisthesis, a herniated disc or some other back problem? The answer is to have an x-ray. A simple x-ray of the spine will identify spondylolisthesis very easily because the radiographer can see the slipped vertebrae whether or not you have any spondylolisthesis symptoms.
No amount of information online or in books can replace having a doctor or radiographer check you out in person. So if you think you or your kids have any spondylolisthesis symptoms, please see a doctor right away.
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