Is spondylolisthesis of the spine a serious problem?

Answer 1

Yes, spondylolisthesis of the spine is always considered a serious problem. This is true because spondylolisthesis by definition is a problem of instability and misalignment, and as such always has the potential to suddenly worsen.

Spondylolisthesis the forward movement or slippage of one spinal bone (vertebra) in relation to the position of the vertebra that is immediately below it. The forward movement is theoretically possible in any area of the spine, but is more common in cervical spine (neck) and the lower spine (low back). Spondylolisthesis occurs either as a result of weakness of the structure of a spinal bone when a part (pars interarticularis) is not formed correctly, or as a result of violent trauma to the spine that causes fracture of the spinal bone that allows for this abnormal movement.

This abnormal alignment problem can at times be minimal and hard to detect even with careful measurement, and at other times the amount of forward movement can be considerable in which the two vertebrae almost lose contact from each other.

Any degree of forward movement in a case of spondylolisthesis represents instability to the spinal column where it occurs and thus a serious threat to the spinal cord, as well as cause pain and reduced spinal movement.

Pain is the first symptom that alerts to a developing spondylolisthesis, sometimes mild and occasional, or sometimes constant and severe. Even if a spondylolisthesis causes slight pain or even no pain, it should be considered serious because every case of forward slippage of a vertebra has the potential to suddenly become worse as a result of a sudden fall, automobile accident or simply the advancement of the spinal spondylosis (aging of the spine).