Slipped Vertebrae
Slipped vertebrae is another common term for
spondylolisthesis.
In this condition, one or more vertebrae move frontwards or rearwards, out of alignment with the remainder of the spinal bones. This condition most commonly occurs in the lower
lumbar region,
but can actually occur anywhere in the spine. Vertebral slippage should never be confused with a slipped disc, since this is a completely different and unrelated diagnosis.
Causes of Slipped Vertebrae
Spondylolisthesis can occur due to
congenital
condition, early developmental condition,
degenerative
process or
back injury.
Typical cases are usually congenital or early developmental varieties with the condition making its appearance between the years of birth to age 16. Most of these
spondylolysis
conditions start before the age of 6.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis
conditions begin later in life as a result of advanced
spinal arthritic
processes. Vertebral slippage due to injury is rare, but can be rather serious. Trauma induced spondylolisthesis conditions can create severe health problems and
spinal instability
in some patients. Obviously, these types of vertebral slippage are often the most symptomatic of all the common varieties.Medical research shows little, if any correlation between the incidence of chronic lower back ache and the existence of grade 1 or 2 spondylolisthesis diagnoses. There is a considerable correlation demonstrated when the vertebral displacement is rated as grade 3 or 4.
Treatments for Slipped Vertebra
Most congenital and developmental conditions do not require any medical treatment, but should be monitored by a doctor. Some moderate to severe cases may require conservative therapies and a few advanced cases of vertebral slippage might require
surgical
intervention, most commonly in the form of a
spinal fusion
procedure. Degenerative spondylolisthesis treatment also depends greatly on the actual amount of slippage which has occurred. Most cases do not require any special treatment, although these cases should also be monitored by a qualified physician. Extreme cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis might require aggressive or even surgical treatment. Slipped
vertebrae
due to injury almost always require some form of operation to reconstruct the
spine.
It is important to realize that the necessity for treatment depends upon a common factor, regardless of the cause of the spondylolisthesis condition. The percentage of vertebral slippage is this most important factor. Minor slippage is rated at less than 25%. Moderate slippage is rated at 26% to 50% misalignment. Serious slippage is rated at 51% to 75% misalignment. Extreme misalignment is rated at 76% to over 100% slippage. The greater the percentage of vertebral misalignment is, the greater the chance of the patient displaying an unstable spinal column.
Recommendation for Slipped Vertebrae
Although this sounds like a very scary condition, it is usually completely harmless and asymptomatic in the less serious expressions. The vast majority of patients have minor spondylolisthesis which will not interfere with any physical function in their lives. The only real danger of this common form of the condition is the diagnostic
nocebo effect
commonly imparted when the condition is discovered. The
fear
associated with this condition can create the start of a
psychosomatic back pain
syndrome in some patients. Severe vertebral slippage conditions can definitely be painful and even debilitating. In these cases, it is crucial to learn about all the possible
back pain treatment
options from a specialist in spondylolisthesis care. I recommend having a neurologist head up your treatment team, as these doctors are known to provide the best curative results.
Slipped Vertebrae to Back Pain
9/19/07 Revised 1/14/12
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