Spondylolisthesis in Grand Rapids MI

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:

1. Dysplastic - Congenital defect (you were born with it)
2. Isthmic - stress fracture (most common), elongated structure, acute fracture (rare)
3. Degenerative - Arthritis
4. Traumatic - fracture
5. 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 PLLC in Grand Rapids MI today to find out what we can do for you.