What is slipped vertebrae?

Author Gabriella Nagy | 2018.10.20.

Vertebral slippage, Latin spondilolysthesis a degenerative lesion of the spine in which one vertebral body slips relative to the one below it. The causes and solutions to this problem are explained by our private physiotherapist, Gabriella Nagy explains.

The slippage of the vertebra is caused by the rupture or fracture of the vertebral arch is preceded by. If this happens on both sides, the vertebra becomes unstable and can move forward according to the forces acting on it. The pathology can occur at any age, most often at the junction of the lumbar spine and the sacrum, due to a forward slope of the articular surface of the sacrum. Several factors may play a role in its development, such as bony malformation of the lumbar spine, traumatic injury, cancer or weakened bone structure due to osteoporosis. The most common is the isthmic type, which is a fatigue fracture of the pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch. A predisposing factor is high flexion-extension movement of the lumbar spine, for example in athletes.

Since the vertebrae are surrounded by a complex muscular system and connective tissue sheaths, a fracture of the vertebral arch does not always cause symptoms. Adolescent low back pain is often the cause, complaints often only occur at high levels of stress. Neurological symptoms are only present in extreme cases. Physical examination shows splenomegaly in the line of the spinous processes, lateral X-ray shows the fracture line. The pathology is usually marked by pain on exertion and tightness of the muscles adjacent to the spine.

In most cases, spondylolysthesis can be treated conservatively, and surgery is rarely performed. Because the bony stability of the vertebrae is disturbed, special attention is paid to the development of muscular stability of the spine. With proper strength and function of the musculature connecting the vertebrae, the tendency to slip can be stopped and symptoms reduced. It is also important to correct posture exercise and the right ergonomics, which are gentle on the spine and prevent further lesions from developing.

If you are experiencing symptoms of slipped vertebrae, please contact us for help to resolve your symptoms. physiotherapist!