Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a medical condition in which the small bones in the spine, called vertebrae, slip out of place. This condition most frequently affects the vertebrae of the lower or lumbar back region and commonly occur in women over the age of 60, explains the Colorado Comprehensive Spine Institute in Englewood. While not all patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis develop symptoms, symptomatic patients should contact a doctor for further evaluation and care.
Lower Back Pain
The most common symptom associated with degenerative spondylolisthesis is lower back pain. As people age, the normal fluid levels within the vertebral discs in the spine begin to decrease. This causes the spinal bones to come closer together and slip out of place. Consequently, patients with this condition can experience mild to severe lower back pain as a symptom of this condition. Certain patients may find that leaning forward or sitting down temporarily alleviates back pain symptoms, explain medical professionals at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Sensations of back pain can become progressively worse if affected patients do not seek treatment.
Muscle Spasms
Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis can develop unusual muscle spasms as a symptom of this condition, explains Dr. Thomas G. Lowe with SpineUniverse. Muscle spasms or cramping can occur sporadically and may contribute to sensations of pain within the back. Patients may experience difficulty standing or walking for extended periods of time due to these symptoms.
Leg Pain or Weakness
When the vertebrae in the spine slip out of place, these small bones may inadvertently compress nerves that run along the spinal column. If this occurs, patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis can experience symptoms of pain or numbness within the legs. Affected patients may find it difficult to move about normally due to these symptoms. Leg pain symptoms can be mild to severe and are often instigated by physical activity, such as standing or walking. These symptoms may cause a patient to limp while walking, explains the Colorado Comprehensive Spine Institute. Patients with severe or persistent leg pain or weakness should contact a medical professional immediately for further evaluation.
References
- Espine: Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
- Colorado Comprehensive Spine Institute: Explaining Spinal Disorders - Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
- SpineUniverse: Degenerative Spondylolisthesis of the Lumbar Spine
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center: Spinal Stenosis/Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
- New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute: Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
