Spondylolisthesis (Page 3)
Acquired Spondylolisthesis
Acquired spondylolisthesis can be caused in one of two ways: i. With all of the daily stresses that are put on a spine, such as carrying heavy items and physical sports, the spine may wear out (i.e., degenerate). As the connections between the vertebrae weaken, this may lead to a spondylolisthesis. ii. A single or repeated force being applied to the spine can cause a spondylolisthesis; for example, the impact of falling off a ladder and landing on your feet, or the regular impact to the spine endured by offensive linemen playing football.
II. What Symptoms Might I Notice?
Many people with a spondylolisthesis will have no symptoms, and will only become aware of the problem when it is revealed on an x-ray for a different problem. However, there are several symptoms that often accompany spondylolisthesis: Pain in the low back, especially after exercise Increased lordosis (i.e., swayback). Pain and/or weakness in one or both thighs or legs Reduced ability to control bowel and bladder functions Tight hamstring musculature In cases of advanced spondylolisthesis changes may occur in the way people stand and walk; for example, development of a waddling style of walking. This causes the abdomen to protrude further, due to the lowback curving forward more. The torso (chest, etc.) may seem shorter; and muscle spasms in the lowback may occur.
