RetrolisthesisVertebral slippage is easily diagnosed on any of the various forms of diagnostic imaging, but is best seen using MRI technology, since this technology will help ascertain any neurological involvement which may result from the misalignment. What is Retrolisthesis?
Retrospondylolisthesis is a spinal bone misalignment condition. It is relatively common and not known to usually produce pain or neurological symptoms in mild and moderate cases. Being a variety of spondylolisthesis, the condition is rated in terms of severity using a percentile scale:Grade 1 is described as 1% to 25% relative slippage. Grade 2 is described as 26% to 50% relative slippage. Grade 3 is described as 51% to 75% relative slippage. Grade 4 is described as 76% or more relative slippage. Retrospondylolisthesis FactsRetrospondylolisthesis takes 3 primary forms:* Complete is described as a single level which is out of alignment with the vertebral bones above and below. This is the most common form. * Stairstepped is described as multiple vertebrae out of alignment, each slightly further out of place when compared to the vertebra above it, forming a progressive stair-like effect. * Partial describes a tilting posterior misalignment in which the slipped vertebrae is out of alignment with only the vertebrae above OR below, but not both. The expression will often be determined by the particular process responsible for enacting the slippage. The vast majority of cases fall in the Grade 1 or 2 categories and should not be symptomatic at all. However, some cases obviously act as
scapegoats
on which back pan is mistakenly blamed. Of course, severe and extreme forms of the condition can create pain,
nerve compression
issues and even
spinal instability. Retrolisthesis AdviceIn most cases, retrospondylolisthesis is nothing to fear. It can be a congenital or developmental defect, the result of back injury or simply part of normal spinal aging. It is most common in the neck, followed by the lumbar spine and only rarely exists in the thoracic spinal region. Regardless where the issue resides in the spine, symptoms are not likely unless the slippage is severe.If you have mild to moderate retrospondylolisthesis which has been targeted as the source of chronic back pain and not responded well to treatment, I urge you to reconsider the validity of the diagnostic theory. At the very least, get a second opinion from an objective source who is qualified to diagnose spinal misalignment conditions. Retrolisthesis to Back Pain 1/25/10 Revised 1/12/12 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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