The spine is the bone structure that is formed by the bones called vertebrae showing a certain systematic arrangement on top of each other and containing the spinal cord.
The vertebrae are connected to each other with the help of discs at the front and joints at the back.
Lumbar slippage, called spondylolisthesis in medical language, is formed by the displacement of the upper one from the two adjacent vertebrae forward or backward relative to the lower vertebra. For this reason, it causes compression of the spinal cord passing through the spine and causes symptoms such as pain, numbness and burning in both legs.
Slippage most commonly originates from the bottom of the lumbar vertebrae, that is, most frequently at the L5-S1 level and sometimes at the L4-5 level.
How to Determine the Degree of Slip?
What are the Types of Lumbar Slip?
Dysplastic Spondylolisthesis
It occurs due to congenital or developmental deterioration in the joints between the waist bones.
Isthmic Spondylolisthesis
It is caused by unilateral or bilateral fractures of the joints in the lumbar vertebrae after some repetitive maneuvers that severely force the lower back. It is usually observed in young athletes.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
It occurs after the spine and surrounding connective tissues wear out with aging. It is most commonly observed at the L4-5 level and is usually accompanied by a narrow channel picture in the spine.
Traumatic Spondylolisthesis
Observed due to fractures in the spine after a serious trauma
Pathological Spondylolisthesis
What are the Symptoms of Lumbar Slippage
caused by regional or common bone diseases?
The most common finding is pain. In most patients, the pain resolves with rest and increases with daily activity. Leg pain is the second most common. It is observed in degenerative spondylolisthesis accompanied by compression of the nerve root and canal stenosis. Low back pain and muscle spasm are observed in mild and moderate slips seen in children, if there is more than 50% slippage, it may manifest as low back and leg pain, poor posture and duck-like gait. In very advanced findings, although it is rare, it manifests itself as a dysfunction in urination and defecation.
How is the Diagnosis of Lumbar Slip?
Physical examination of the patient is essential. Direct X-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging are helpful tests in diagnosing.
How to Treat Low Back Slipped? Non-surgical treatments such as strengthening and corset support should be tried.
If the pain persists, steroid injections can be applied to the joints between the lower back bones or on the nerve root.
Surgical treatment is recommended for patients who do not benefit from physical therapy and exercise programs and whose symptoms do not regress. Please contact your doctor for detailed information.
