Understanding the 6 Types of Spondylolisthesis and How They're Treated

Your spine contains discs called vertebrae, which cushion and protect the bones. When a vertebra slips forward and presses down on the vertebrae below, you have spondylolisthesis. About 20% of adults in the United States have a form of this disease.

While you can have spondylolisthesis without noticeable symptoms, the disease causes bothersome issues, like low back pain, stiffness, nerve pain, and walking challenges, for many.

Dr. Nicholas Perenich and his team at Spine Institute of Florida in Dade City and Spring Hill provide a range of conservative and complex treatments for back pain to suit your individual needs.

Read on to learn about the six types of spondylolisthesis, plus ways we can help.

1. Degenerative spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis happens as a byproduct of natural aging. Wear-and-tear on your spine causes your vertebrae to thin, creating more space. That space brings an increased risk of disc slippage. Other age-related changes that fuel this disease include reduced strength of the ligaments that provide spinal stability and osteoarthritis (OA) that affects your spine. In some cases, athletics and pregnancy contribute, too.

The most common type of spondylolisthesis, degenerative spondylolisthesis symptoms are most common between ages 60 and 69.

2. Isthmic spondylolisthesis

Isthmic spondylolisthesis usually stems from an injury. Symptoms unfold once a bone that connects two vertebrae fractures, leading to poor alignment. As a result, the broken vertebra shifts out of place.

Often, isthmic spondylolisthesis stays asymptomatic. If symptoms do appear, low back pain is the most common.

3. Congenital spondylolisthesis

Also known as dysplastic spondylolisthesis, congenital spondylolisthesis is a lifelong disease. It starts before birth, when your spine doesn’t form the way it should.

Symptoms may appear early on or well into adulthood, depending on the severity of your developmental issues.

Less common types of spondylolisthesis

Degenerative, isthmic, and congenital spondylolisthesis account for most cases of the disease. Still, plenty of people have a less common form, such as:

Pathological spondylolisthesis, which derives from weakened bones, due to a condition like a tumor or osteoporosis
Postsurgical spondylolisthesis, which is a rare complication of spinal surgery
Traumatic spondylolisthesis, which happens instantly due to an injury (such as a car accident) that forces a vertebra out of place

What to do about spondylolisthesis

Nonsurgical treatments usually suffice for managing spondylolisthesis, both for minimizing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.

After a comprehensive exam and any needed tests, such as an X-ray, our team may recommend:

Rest from intense activities that stress your spine
Medications, such as acetaminophen or corticosteroids
Physical therapy
Wearing a back brace

For severe spondylolisthesis, we may recommend surgery, such as spinal fusion, to improve your spine’s alignment.

To learn more about the different types of spondylolisthesis or get started toward symptom relief, call Spine Institute of Florida or schedule an appointment through our website today.