Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one bone in your back (vertebra) slides forward or backward over the bone below it. Here is a video to get a better idea of what spondylolisthesis actually is.

A majority of all spondylolisthesis is “anterolisthesis” and involves a vertebra sliding forward upon the one beneath it.   Retrolisthesis is less common and is said to occur when the vertebra shifts backward.  It most often occurs in the lower spine and is most commonly diagnosed amongst seniors.  In some cases, this may lead to your spinal cord or nerve roots being squeezed. This can cause back pain, sciatica, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs. In rare cases, it can also lead to losing control over your bladder or bowels. See a doctor right away if you begin losing bladder or bowel control.

Sometimes when a vertebra slips out of place, you may have no symptoms at all or no symptoms until years later. Then, you may have pain in your low back or buttock. Muscles in your leg may feel tight or weak. You may even limp.  Symptoms can effect a single leg but can be present in both at the same time.

The bones in your spine come together at several small joints called zygapophyseal joints or facet joints and keep the bones lined up while still allowing them to move. Spondylolisthesis is caused by a problem with one or more of these small joints that allows one bone to move out of line.

Spondylolisthesis may be caused by any of a number of problems with the small joints in your back. You could have:

• A defective joint that you’ve had since birth (congenital).
• A joint damaged by an accident or other trauma.
• A vertebra with a stress fracture caused from overuse of the joint.
• A joint damaged by an infection or arthritis.

Spondylolisthesis effects a wide range of people ranging from older adults to children and teens involved in sports.  Some sports, such as gymnastics or weight lifting, can overuse back bones to the point of causing stress fractures in vertebrae, which can result in spondylolisthesis.  Seniors can develop spondylolisthesis because wear and tear on the back that leads to stress fractures. It can also occur without stress fractures when the disc and joints are worn down and slip out of place.  Women who are pregnant in their third trimester are also susceptible to becoming symptomatic with spondylolisthesis as hormonal fluctuations occur that lead to a relaxing of the ligaments intended to support the spine in preparation for the birthing process.

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis may include:

• Lower back pain or buttock pain.
• Sciatica (Pain that runs from the lower back down one or both legs).
• Numbness or weakness in one or both legs.
• Difficulty walking.
• Leg, back, or buttock pain that gets worse when you bend over or twist.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, in rare cases.
• Sometimes spondylolisthesis causes no symptoms at all.