Spondylothesis is a condition where a vertebra in the spine is displaced to the posterior or anterior in relation to the vertebrae below it. These vertebrae “slips” are most common in the lumbar vertebrae, the five vertebrae in between the rib cage and the pelvis. There are five different types of spondylothesis: dysplastic, isthmic, degenerative, traumatic, and pathologic. Regardless of the type of spondylothesis that is occurring however, most of the symptoms that result are generally the same.
The most common symptom is lower back pain. This is obvious since it is usually in the lumbar vertebrae that is the lower spine, where this disk slips occur. There will also be muscle tightening and stiffness in the area. Stiffening of the back and tightening of the hamstings will result in a change in posture and gait. People with spondylothesis will have a forward leaning or semi-kyphotic (humnchback) posture in order to compensate for the tightening of the muscles. The lumbar spine will be unable to rotate properly and the gluteal muscles will atrophy due to lack of use.
There will usually be pain in the buttocks, often radiating down into the posterior thigh or the lower legs. This is due to the pressure on the sciatic nerve, a large nerve running from the buttocks to the lower legs. There will also be sensations of tingling or numbness. Actions such as sneezing, standing, or sitting will become painful and difficult in the case of the voluntary actions. Whenever you do stand-up you may feel a “slipping” sensation in your lower back as well. Depending on the type of spondylothesis there may not be any pain present at all. However, abnormal gait or neurological abnormalities, slight deformities, and hamstring tightness are usually commonly present in all forms of this condition.
Generally if a vertebra slips a little bit that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be developing spondylothesis any time soon, especially if it happens during your teenage years. If you keep your posture straight and perform regular activities, your vertebrae should grow back into shape and there shouldn’t be much of a problem. It’s really when your hamstrings start tightening and you start have difficulty maintaining your posture that you may want to consider visiting a chiropractor. Regardless, these slips can occur from time to time which is why you should really be working on making sure that your posture is properly maintained.
