Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

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Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that causes lower back pain and occurs when one of the vertebrae, the bones of the spine, slips out of the plane. The word Spondylolisthesis comes from two Greek words, ‘spondylos’ which means ‘spine’, and ‘listhesis’ which means ‘slipping’ or ‘movement’. It is a condition of spinal instability that puts pressure on the nerves leading to lower back pain or leg pain or both.

Types of Lumbar spondylolisthesis

Some common types of spondylolistheses are discussed below-

Congenital spondylolisthesis is most common at the L5-S1 level and is due abnormal bone formation during development. But it usually becomes symptomatic at teen age when there is a growth spurt.

Isthmic spondylolisthesis occurs as a result of spondylolysis, a crack or fracture in a part of spine that leads to the weakening of the bone.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis happens due to aging. As age increases, disc, the cushion that protects vertebrae loses water leading to thinning of the disc and abnormal growth of the facet joint leads to slippage of the vertebral bone. 

Less common types of spondylolistheses involve-  

  • Traumatic spondylolisthesis happens due to injury
  • Pathological spondylolisthesis occurs when a disease like osteoporosis or tumor leads to the slipping of the vertebrae.
  • Post-surgical spondylolisthesis happens after a spinal surgery..

Symptoms of Lumbar spondylolisthesis 

Some of the symptoms experienced by the patient suffering from lumbar spondylolisthesis are-
  • Difficulty standing or walking for long durations
  • Pain while bending over
  • Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the foot

Diagnosis of the Lumbar Spondylolisthesis  

The diagnosis can be made through a spinal X-ray.  

CT scan or MRI scan helps to visualize the bony structures and nerves in the spinal canal in detail. 

Non-surgical treatment for lumbar Spondylosis

Non-surgical lower back pain treatment options include–   

Rest- Take a break from tiring exercises and sports.

Medications- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can bring pain relief.

Local steroid or anesthetic Injections in which the patient is given an injection of steroidal medications directly in the affected joints.

Physical therapy- involves local pain therapy and back strengthening exercises

Surgery for the Lumbar spondylolisthesis

If there is high degree of spondylolisthesis or if the lower back pain right side is not getting better with medications and physiotherapy or if there is weakness of legs, your surgeon may offer you a lumbar fusion surgery
The aim of lumbar spondylolisthesis surgery is
  • To relieve the pain from the compressed irritated nerve
  • Stabilize the spine

If you have been advised to undergo Lumbar spondylolisthesis spine surgery, then consult another surgeon for lumbar spondylolisthesis to get a second opinion to explore all the available treatment options.

Frequently Added Questions

Symptoms include chronic low back pain, tight hamstrings, and leg pain or numbness. In more severe cases, difficulty walking or standing for long periods occurs. Diagnosis is made with X-rays (especially flexion-extension views to check for instability) and MRI scans to evaluate nerve compression.

No. Mild to moderate spondylolisthesis without significant nerve compression or instability can often be managed with physiotherapy, core strengthening, and pain management. Spinal fusion surgery (PLIF, TLIF) is recommended for cases with progressive slippage, instability, or persistent nerve compression causing disability.

Initial recovery after spinal fusion surgery for spondylolisthesis takes 6–12 weeks, with most patients returning to light activities within 4–6 weeks. Full bone fusion and recovery can take 3–6 months. Physiotherapy rehabilitation is essential for optimal long-term outcomes after fusion surgery.