Your spine is meant to provide stability while allowing you to bend, twist, and move comfortably. But when one vertebra shifts out of its normal position relative to the vertebra below it, a condition called spondylolisthesis can develop.
At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, Thomas Jones II, MD, provides comprehensive spine care for patients with spondylolisthesis and other spinal conditions. Dr. Jones takes a conservative approach to treating your condition whenever possible, starting with nonsurgical treatments before considering surgery.
Spondylolisthesis can develop for several reasons.
In some people, it occurs because of a structural abnormality present from birth. In others, repetitive stress can cause a small fracture in part of a vertebra (spondylolysis), allowing it to shift forward — this is more common in athletes who participate in activities that involve repeated bending or hyperextension of the lower back.
In older adults, degenerative disc disease is the primary driver behind vertebral slippage. As intervertebral discs dehydrate, flatten, and lose structural height over time, surrounding facet joints and ligaments lose tension and stability. This wear and tear allows the upper vertebra to slide forward out of alignment.
As the vertebra shifts, it pulls the spinal column out of line and narrows the central canal, frequently leading to secondary spinal stenosis. As this constriction puts pressure on adjacent spinal nerve roots, it can produce debilitating lumbar discomfort, localized numbness, and radiating pain along the sciatic nerve.
Less common causes of spondylolisthesis include an acute injury, traumatic fracture, or another underlying condition that weakens the vertebra.
Some people with spondylolisthesis have no symptoms and may discover the condition during imaging for an unrelated reason. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mild discomfort to significant pain that interferes with daily activities. They may include:
Symptoms often depend on the degree of vertebral slippage and whether nearby nerves are compressed.
You can expect Dr. Jones to complete a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and physical condition. Imaging tests help determine the location and severity of the vertebral slippage and identify whether nerves are affected.
Depending on your symptoms, diagnostic imaging may include X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. These scans enable Dr. Jones to identify the root cause of your symptoms and craft a personalized care strategy.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, your symptoms, and how much the condition affects your daily life. When appropriate, Dr. Jones starts with conservative treatments designed to relieve pain and improve function without surgery.
Nonsurgical treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, or other pain-management strategies. Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improves flexibility and stability.
If conservative treatment doesn’t provide adequate relief, or if significant nerve compression or spinal instability is present, he may consider surgery. Based on your diagnosis, Dr. Jones may suggest a minimally invasive procedure to stabilize your spinal column and alleviate nerve compression.
Living with chronic back pain can make everyday activities more difficult, but you don’t necessarily need surgery to find relief. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, Dr. Jones works closely with each patient to implement the most appropriate solution.
If back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness is affecting your quality of life, contact us to schedule an evaluation at one of our locations in Pearland, Houston, or Lake Jackson, Texas. Dr. Jones can determine what’s causing your symptoms to help find the best treatment for you.
