Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal abnormality which most commonly affects the L4 or L5 vertebrae. The condition is characterized by a forward slippage of this vertebra, in relation to the rest of the spinal column. Although the condition is not unusual and rarely causes any pain, it might be responsible for creating symptoms in a minority of patients and is certainly used as a sciatica scapegoat to explain pain in others.

Spondylolisthesis Condition

Vertebral slippage can occur from injury, osteoarthritis, genetic influence or idiopathic reasons. Slippage is measured by percentage, rather than by an exact measurement, since everyone’s spine has different dimensions. Measuring the condition using the percentage of overlap which occurs between the normal vertebrae and the affected vertebra is the best way of getting an objective and relative view of the extent of the potential problem. Typically the scale is rated as:

Grade 1 = less than 25% slippage.
Grade 2 = more than 25% but less than 50% slippage.
Grade 3 = more than 50% but less than 75% slippage.
Grade 4 = more than 75% but less than 100% slippage.
Grade 5 = more than 100% slippage (also called spondyloptosis).

Spondylolisthesis Symptoms

Most vertebral slippages are not symptomatic or limiting in any way. These account for most grade 1 and 2 conditions and are often not even discovered until much later in life. Beginning at grade 3 (and up), the percentage of patients who might suffer problematic symptoms increases steadily. Obviously, with larger degrees of vertebral slippage, there are also increased risks for pain, neurological symptoms and spinal instability. Luckily, most conditions are not serious and will not require any specialized care or concern.

Spondylolisthesis Advice

Accurate diagnosis is crucial with this condition, just like all dorsopathy syndromes. If you see vertebral slippage on an x-ray, it can look very scary and might create quite a nocebo effect, even if the condition is inherently harmless. The way the diagnosis is presented to the patient will also contribute greatly to the likelihood of possible symptoms in the future. If the patient is frightened (purposefully or accidentally), symptoms are likely, but if the patient is reassured, grade 1 and 2 slippages are unlikely to cause any significant pain.

This condition is used as a sciatica scapegoat in many patients who demonstrate even the slightest amount of slippage due to completely normal osteoarthritic processes. This type of vertebral movement usually occurs after middle age and is virtually never the cause of pain. If you have been diagnosed with vertebral slippage, make sure to get a very detailed diagnosis including the degree of slippage and the stability of the spine. This is crucial in deciding whether this is a real concern or just another harmless abnormality which is unfairly blamed for sciatica pain.

Spondylolisthesis to Sciatica Home
7/6/08 Revised 12/14/09