Can spondylolisthesis cause leg pain?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition involving spine instability, which means the vertebrae move more than they should. A vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below. It may put pressure on a nerve, which could cause lower back pain or leg pain.
How is Anterolisthesis treated?
Treatment options for mild slippage may include a short course of bed rest, gentle exercise, and pain medication. Severe cases may require chiropractic therapy and surgery. Surgery is considered a last resort. Bed rest can help overcome mild cases of anterolisthesis.
What helps spondylolisthesis leg pain?
Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain by decreasing the inflammation of the muscles and nerves. Patients with pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs may benefit from an epidural steroid (cortisone) injection. Patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis may benefit from a hyperextension brace.
When does spondylolisthesis cause pain in your legs?
Pronounced “spon-dl-oh-lis-THEE-sis,” this condition involves your vertebrae—the bones that form the building blocks of your spine. However, many people don’t experience any back pain. Generally, spondylolisthesis causes pain in your legs when you walk or stand for long period of time.
How does lumbar retrolisthesis cause leg and back pain?
Lumbar retrolisthesis is when parts of your spine, known as vertebra, slip backward on one another. This puts a lot of pressure on the vertebra and various parts of the spine, causing leg and back pain. It’s different from spondylolisthesis, where the vertebra slips forward.
How is the diagnosis of degenerative spondylolisthesis made?
The diagnosis process varies a bit between the two types. Since degenerative spondylolisthesis is more likely to cause noticeable symptoms—such as lower back pain, leg pain, or leg aches—it’s usually diagnosed after a patient complains of these symptoms, and the physician orders an X-ray or an MRI.
Why do some people get spondylolisthesis before others?
One person might get spondylolisthesis in his 40s, while another one might not get it until his 70s. There is no known reason why some people develop spondylolisthesis from wear and tear, while others do not. As Dr. Milby says, “It’s completely random—just a case of bad luck.”