Visit us on the web:

Lumbar spondylolisthesis. Long name, so what does it mean? A lumbar spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward or backward relative to the vertebra below it.   

There are several causes of a "spondy". Trauma that leads to fractures in the smaller facet joints is one cause. These fractures allow the vertebra to slip.  Congenital defects in bone formation and degenerative changes are also causes. Spinal tumors can also occur and lead to a spondylolisthesis.  

Risk Factors 

There are certain risk factors that can lead to this condition. Family history is one example. Athletes such as gymnasts and weightlifters are more at risk do to repetitive stress on the spine in positions of excessive extension.

 

Sign and Symptoms 

Persons with this condition often complain of low back pain especially after exercise such as running. Individuals may also demonstrate decreased spinal range of motion. More severe cases will report leg pain or weakness due to nerve root compression. 

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will send you for an X-ray initially if this condition is suspected. The X-ray technician will do an oblique view in order to see if there are any fractures. An MRI may also be utilized.  

Treatment  

There are different grades of spondylithesis. Grade 1 being the most mild and Grade 5 being the most severe. Depending on the severity, treatment can range from rest and anti inflammatory medications to physically therapy and in the most severe cases ,surgery. Steroid injections may also be used in cases not responding completely to conservative care.  

Specifically Physical therapy will be utilized to address any range of motion restrictions, strengthening of core/trunk and lower extremity musculature and advice about any activity modifications that might be necessary. 

     Conventional wisdom is that persons with ITB syndrome must have tight ITB's and are often given stretches to address this. Recent research shows that the best course of treatment may in fact be strengthening of the lateral hip muscles. Often runners get this condition and when evaluated do not have tight ITB's but have weak Gluteus Medius muscles. The ITB is a long tendon that forms off of a short muscle called the Tensor Fascia Lata which is located at the upper anterior and outer hip. Since this "band" is primarily a tendon it is often difficult to stretch. Often foam rollers are used to soften the tissue in an effort to elongate it.  Strengthening exercises usually start with side leg raises and progress in difficulty as the patient gets stronger.