Overview
A spondylolisthesis (“Spondylo” or “Spondy” for short) is the anterior movement of a vertebral body. The word itself is derived from Greek: spondylos = vertebra, listhesis = slippage. There are 5 types of spondylolisthesis:
- Dysplastic – Congenital defect (you were born with it)
- Isthmic – stress fracture (most common), elongated structure, acute fracture (rare)
- Degenerative – Arthritis
- Traumatic – fracture
- Pathologic – due to bone disease (cancer, Paget’s, etc.)
Spondylolisthesis in Grand Rapids MI overall occurs most commonly at L5 (90%) but degenerative type is most commonly at L4. Very rare incidence also occurs in the cervical spine (neck). The severity of a spondylo is determined by a grading system determined by the amount of slippage that has occurred but the amount of slippage is not directly related the the amount of symptoms experienced.
- Grade I = 0-24%
- Grade II = 25-49%
- Grade III = 50-74%
- Grade IV = 75-99%
- Grade V = 100%
Associated Symptoms and Conditions in Grand Rapids MI
- Approximately 50% are asymptomatic
- Low Back Pain
- Pain/Numbness/Tingling/Weakness in legs and feet (Sciatica)
- Muscle tightness in Low Back and Legs
- Possible “clicking” in lower back with forward bending
Contact Kaminski Chiropractic in Grand Rapids MI today to find out what we can do for you.