Spondylolisthesis

Your spine (backbone) is made up of bones called vertebrae. Spondylolisthesis is when one of these vertebrae slips forward. It can lead to back pain, and is most common in the lower back.

Children, teenagers and adults can all get spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis symptoms can include:

• pain or stiffness in your lower back — the pain may spread to your bottom or back of your thighs
• tight hamstring muscles (the muscles in the back of your thighs)
• pain, numbness, or tingling spreading from your lower back down one or both legs

The pain and other symptoms in your legs are due to pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal canal near the spondylolisthesis.

Your symptoms may be worse with activity and get better with rest. Your back pain may be worse when standing or walking and feel better when sitting.

Spondylolisthesis doesn't cause any symptoms in some people.

In adults, spondylolisthesis can be caused by degenerative changes in your spine that happen with age.

In children and teenagers, spondylolisthesis is usually caused by a weakness or stress fracture in the lower back. This may happen in teenagers who participate in sports that involve repeated stress on their lower back.

Stress fractures can also cause spondylolisthesis in adults.

See your doctor if you have back pain that is not getting better.

Also see your doctor if you have:

• pain in your bottom or thighs
• pain numbness or tingling down one or both legs

See your doctor urgently if you have:

• severe back pain
• trouble moving your legs or walking

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination.

Your doctor may recommend an x-ray of your lower back. This will show if one of your vertebrae is out of place.

Other imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI scan, may also be done.

Treatments for spondylolisthesis may include:

• avoiding activities that make your symptoms worse
• physiotherapy
• taking medicines to help ease the pain

Occasionally, surgery may be recommended.

Physiotherapy

Your physiotherapist can recommend exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in your:

• lower back
• legs
• abdomen (tummy)

Your physiotherapist can also advise you on which activities to avoid, and for how long.

Medicines

Pain-relief medicines such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can be used to help with your pain.

If simple pain-relief measures do not work, your doctor may suggest a corticosteroid injection in your back.

If you want to know more about spondylolisthesis, talk to your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak to, 24 hours, 7 days a week.