Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Age-related changes in the spine commonly cause degenerative spondylolisthesis. The main risk factors include:

• Degenerative disc disease is the loss of disc elasticity and height that occurs as spinal discs dehydrate and become stiffer with age.
• Arthritis of facet joints: Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae in the spine. They help stabilize the spine, but facet joint arthritis can lead to instability and slippage.
• Thickening and stiffening of the ligaments that stabilize the spine add further stress to the spinal structure.

These degenerative processes weaken the spine’s ability to maintain alignment and stability, particularly during movement, facilitating vertebral forward slip.

The symptoms of degenerative spondylolisthesis vary depending on the degree of the slip and the spinal nerves affected. Common symptoms include:

• Lower back pain is the most common symptom. Pain may be exacerbated by activity and relieved by rest.
• Neurogenic claudication is the second most common symptom. It involves pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs and buttocks that worsens with walking or standing and is relieved by sitting or bending forward.
• Sciatica presents as radiating pain from the lower back down to the legs.
• Tight hamstring muscles.
• In severe cases, bowel or bladder changes may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.

Dr. Hieu Ball will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and assess your level of physical activity. He will then perform a physical examination, including testing nerve function and mobility. He will also evaluate sensory disturbances, weakness, and tendon reflexes.

Imaging studies will include X-rays to assess spinal alignment and to view degenerative changes. An MRI scan will be ordered to provide detailed images of the spine’s soft tissues, including the discs, nerves, spinal ligaments, and spinal stenosis.