Adult Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Adult isthmic spondylolisthesis, or slipped vertebra, is a common spine condition that is experienced by adults. This condition is defined by the forward slipping of one vertebra over another. It is caused by a small fracture that occurs on the bone that joins the pars interarticularis, which are two joints that are located on the back side of the spinal area. The fracture is the result of stress on the bone.

The spine is made up of 24 bones that are stacked on top of one another, and these bones are called “vertebrae”. The spine is divided into 5 sections, which are cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx. A disc can be found between each vertebra, and it serves to cushion the shock that comes from the movements of the body. The vertebrae and the discs are held together by ligaments.

The symptoms of isthmic spondylolisthesis usually show in adults who are in their thirties and forties, and these include lower back pain and leg pain, or sciatica. One of the main reasons for lower back pain is the wearing out of the disc between the vertebrae. When the posterior tether that holds the facet joints is damaged, the disc has to support all the force that is exerted on the spine. In time, the disc will breakdown, and this will result in lower back pain. With the breaking down of the disc, a nerve root that runs out from the spine will not be able to function effectively, and this can lead to the development of sciatica. The back pain that is caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis will increase in intensity when the body undergoes more strenuous physical activities, and it will be reduced when the body is at rest. It may also be accompanied by buttock pain. A leg pain that comes from isthmic spondylolisthesis will stretch from the buttock area down to the calf or foot.

If you are experiencing pain in your lower back or your leg, you should seek advice from a doctor immediately. Adult isthmic spondylolisthesis can be easily diagnosed with spinal x-rays that are done in the standing position, as well as flexion and extension x-rays, which require the patient to bend forward and backward. You may also have to undergo an MRI scan, which will reveal the condition of the spine’s soft tissues for a more complete diagnosis. Sometimes, diagnosis of isthmic spondylolisthesis can also be done with a CT scan.

There are a variety of non-surgical and surgical treatments for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis. The non-surgical treatments are similar to treatments for people with normal back pain, and these include NSAIDs, oral steroids, physical therapy, manual manipulation, and injections. If the pain that you are experiencing is not very serious, you can do hamstring stretching exercises twice a day to relieve the stress on your spine. Percocet, Vicodin, and other medications can be used to reduce pain. However, if the condition is causing severe pain, it is advisable that you take injections.

In most cases of adult isthmic spondylolisthesis, pain can be relieved with non-surgical treatments alone. Surgical treatments are only recommended when the pain does not reside after more than 6 months of non-surgical treatment. Some of the surgical methods that are used to treat adult isthmic spondylolisthesis are posterior spinal fusion, anterior interbody fusion, posterior interbody fusion, and reduction of the slipped vertebra.