Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a consequence of the natural aging process that occurs in our spine as we grow older, causing the bones, joints, and ligaments to become weak and lose the ability to hold the spinal column together. The disease generally occurs at one of two levels of the lumbar spine, which is in the lower back.

This condition is more common in individuals over the age of 50, and is even more common in those over the age of 65. Additionally, degenerative spondylolisthesis is 3x more common in females than in males.*

The main symptoms of degenerative spondylolisthesis include:

• Lower back and/or leg pain
• Sciatic pain (an aching in one or both legs), or a tired feeling in the legs are long periods or standing or walking
• Tight hamstring muscles
• Decreased flexibility in the lower back
• Difficulty and pain with extending and arching the back backwards

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is diagnosed through a typical three step process, and it’s important that your diagnosis comes from a board-certified spine specialist. This process starts with an overview of your past medical history, followed by a review of the symptoms you’re currently experiencing. The next step is a physical examination, where a New York Spine Institute physician will examine for physical symptoms such as range of motion, flexibility, and any muscle weakness or neurological symptoms. To complete diagnosis, imagine tests such as an X-ray or an MRI scan will be conducted to either confirm the diagnosis and/or rule out any other causes.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis does not always require surgical treatment options. Depending on your specific symptoms, non-surgical treatment options may include pain medications and ice or heat application. Generally, there are four categories of treatment plans the patient and their physician may choose from:

• Activity modification that may include a short period of rest, avoiding standing or walking for long periods, avoiding active exercise, and avoiding activities that require bending backwards.
• Manual manipulation performed by a trained health professional to reduce pain by mobilizing painful joint dysfunction
• Epidural injection, typically received by patients suffering from severe leg pain, which are effective in increasing function by up to 50%.
• Surgery is rarely needed, but may be considered if the pain is disabling and interferes with daily life. Surgery also helps patients experiencing progressive neurological deterioration.

*The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment will vary by patient and condition. New York Spine Institute does not guarantee certain results.