Spondylolisthesis (pronounced spon-duh-low-lis-THEE-sis) is a long word for a spine condition you may not have heard of until you start experiencing lower back pain. It’s different from other spine issues because it can affect people of all ages, including young athletes, older adults and those with a history of spinal injuries.
At Banner Health, our experienced spine specialists can check if spondylolisthesis is causing your symptoms. They can recommend personalized treatments to ease your pain, improve movement and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Your spine is made up of a column of small bones called vertebrae. These bones stack on top of each other, like links in a chain, to support your body. They also protect your spinal cord and allow you to bend, twist and move. Disks, joints and ligaments keep the bones properly aligned.
Spondylolisthesis happens when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. This can strain the spine and may compress nearby nerves.
Most cases of spondylolisthesis happen in the lower back (lumbar spine), near the pelvis. It can also occur in your neck (cervical spine) or your middle and upper back (thoracic spine).
Doctors classify spondylolisthesis by its cause. The main types include:
Isthmic spondylolisthesis is caused by a crack or stress fracture in a thin, narrow portion of the vertebra called the isthmus (clinically called the pars interarticularis), leading to forward slippage of the vertebra. Isthmic spondylolisthesis is the most common type of spondylolisthesis in children, teens and young adults. Children under 18 are more likely to develop this condition because they are more active and experience growth spurts that can stretch or crack the isthmus of the spine. This condition is often seen in sports that require a lot of extension, like gymnastics, dance and football.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis is the most common type in adults over 50. It happens when the joints in the spine (called the facet joints) wear down with age. As these joints weaken, a vertebra can slip forward causing spondylolisthesis.
This condition is more common in women. Being overweight can also put extra pressure on the spine and make this problem more likely.
Less commonly, spondylolisthesis may be related to:
The most common causes include:
Some people with spondylolisthesis have it without knowing it. The condition is sometimes found by accident during imaging (X-ray, CT scan or MRI) for another issue.
If you have symptoms, they might include:
If the vertebra slippage presses on nearby nerves, you might feel pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that spreads into your buttocks or leg. These signs are similar to sciatica or spinal stenosis. It's important to have your symptoms checked so a doctor can determine the cause.
Several spine conditions can cause similar symptoms, but they affect the spine differently:
Your provider will begin with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and medical history. They may check your posture, range of motion, muscle strength and reflexes.
Imaging tests help confirm the diagnosis and show how far the vertebra has slipped. These tests may include:
Learn more about spine testing and diagnosis.
Providers may describe spondylolisthesis using grades from 1 to 4, which indicate how far forward the vertebra has slipped out of place. A lower grade (1 and 2) indicates less slipping, while a higher grade (3 and 4) indicates more.
The grade is only one part of your diagnosis. Your provider will also consider:
Treatment depends on the type, your symptoms, whether nerves are involved and the stability of your spine. Most people with low-grade spondylolisthesis improve with nonsurgical treatment. More severe slips or those with nerve symptoms may require surgery.
Your treatment plan may include:
Surgery might be suggested if:
The goal of surgery is to:
Depending on your condition, surgery may include spinal decompression, spinal fusion or another procedure.
Learn more about spine surgery types and treatments.
Many people with spondylolisthesis continue to work, exercise and enjoy their daily activities. While symptoms may come and go, the right treatment can often help reduce pain and improve function.
Your spine specialist will help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals. Following this plan, staying active as advised and attending follow-up visits can help reduce pain, improve your movement and support your long-term spine health.
Talk to a spine specialist if you or your child has:
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
Spondylolisthesis can affect people of all ages, from young athletes to older adults. At Banner Health, our spine specialists develop a personalized care plan tailored to your type of spondylolisthesis, symptoms and goals.
Our spine specialists offer:
Learn about Banner Health Neurosciences.
Spondylolisthesis happens when one vertebra slips out of its normal position relative to the bone below it. It most often affects the lower back.
It may cause lower back pain, stiffness, tight hamstrings or pain that worsens with standing, walking or bending backward. If nearby nerves are affected, pain, numbness, tingling or weakness may travel into one or both legs.
Spondylolysis is a stress injury or defect in a part of a vertebra. Spondylolisthesis happens when that vertebra slips out of position. A person can have spondylolysis without developing spondylolisthesis.
Yes. If the slipped vertebra compresses or irritates nearby nerves, it can cause pain, numbness or tingling that travels down the leg, similar to sciatica.
Yes. Many people improve with physical therapy, activity modifications, medications or pain management treatments. Surgery is usually considered only if symptoms are severe, worsening or related to spinal instability or nerve compression.
Yes. Isthmic spondylolisthesis is common in children and teens, especially those in sports such as gymnastics and dance that place stress on the lower back.
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