Spondylolisthesis
Dr. Vivek Badhe is a spondylolisthesis diagnosis & treatment specialist located at Khadakpada, Kalyan (W). Top rated spondylolisthesis specialist has experience in treating spondylolisthesis patients both surgically & non-surgically.
What is spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where there is slippage of one vertebra over the lower one. This slippage create instabilty the the involved segment of your spine leading to excessive movement. Due to this slippage, there may occur kinking or excessive pressure on you nerves which could cause low back pain
or leg pain.
Causes of spondylolisthesis
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Age: People in their 3rd to 5th decade are most at risk for herniated discs, those over 60 are at risk for lumbar canal stenosis.
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Activities such as lifting heavy objects and repetitive spine twisting increase susceptibility.
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Sitting for long periods puts significant compressive load in the lumbar discs, which can cause progressive disc buldge, which may lead to sciatica.
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Family history and genetic predisposition may play a role.
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Sedentary lifestyles, extended driving periods, & smoking contribute to the risk.
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Stressful activities, obesity, arthritis and pregnancy are additional factors.
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Back pain can also be influenced by psychological factors, fatigue, substance abuse and mental issues like stress, anxiety or depression.
Causes of spondylolisthesis
Congenital - It is when baby's spine does not form as it should. There is a by-birth defect in pars which puts vertebra at risk of slippage over the lower one.
Isthmic Spondylolisthesis - Accumulated physical stress to the spine may cause weak or insufficiently formed vertebral structures to break. Repeated heavy lifting, stooping over or twisting may also cause small fractures to occur and lead to a vertebral slip. Weightlifters, football players, and gymnasts may suffer from this disorder because of considerable spinal stress.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis - Degenerative spondylisthesis occurs as a part of normal aging process. Age-related changes which may disrupt spinal alignment include - degeneration of spinal disc, Loss of resilience and strength in the ligaments responsible for spinal stability, Osteoarthritis of facet joints which connect the one vertebra to other, Inadequte muscle stabilization
Symptoms of spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis may be asymptomatic in some individuals. In those who have symptoms, low back pain is the main symptom. Apart from low back pain, one may
experience -
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Tightness or spasms in the hamstrings
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Back stiffness
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Not able to stand or walk for longer period
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Pain when doing bending movements
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Numbness, weakness or tingling in the foot