According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), spondylolisthesis occurs when a backbone, or vertebrae, shifts out of place. This can cause a patient to experience lower back pain, muscle tightness, pain in the thighs or buttocks, stiffness or tenderness in the area of the slipped vertebrae, states Medline Plus. In addition, a slipped vertebrae can compress an nerve root and cause nerve damage. Knowing the causes of spondylolisthesis may prevent its occurrence.
Birth Defect
Spondylolisthesis can occur in children due to a birth defect, states Medline Plus. Specifically, spondylolisthesis occurs between the fifth bone in the lower back, or lumbar spine, and the first bone in the sacrum spine. A slipped vertebrae in this area of the spine can result in pain and nerve damage in the newborn child. Thus, doctors must perform a full physical exam of newborn children, including an exam of the lower spine, to rule out spondylolisthesis and other spinal defects. Parents should not hesitate to schedule an appointment with their child's doctor if they suspect a spinal defect.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spondylolisthesis in adults, states Medline Plus. Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in a joint, that results in pain, inflammation and loss of motion in the joint. When osteoarthritis occurs in the back, the cartilage, or disks, between vertebrae can breakdown and cause the vertebrae above or below the damaged cartilage to move out of place. Medline Plus, further states that spondylolisthesis commonly occurs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. A patient should schedule an appointment with his doctor if he notices back pain, specifically if back pain moves into the buttocks or legs.
Stress Fracture
Medline Plus states that stress fractures are a common cause of spondylolisthesis, especially in gymnasts. Gymnasts are at a high risk of stress fracture and subsequent spondylolisthesis because of the amount of stress placed on the spine of a gymnast during the landing in gymnastic events. Repetitive stress can cause stress fractures, which are small cracks, in the spine. These small fractures reduce the stability of the vertebrae and can cause them to slip out of place. Thus, gymnasts should schedule regular physical exams with their doctor. Furthermore, a gymnasts should not hesitate to seek medical treatment if she notices sudden or chronic back pain.
