Spondylolisthesis Symptoms

Spondylolisthesis symptoms are a controversial subject, since spondylolisthesis is not usually a symptomatic condition. Many people have this condition and do not even know it. Others know that they have it, yet suffer no ill effects. Symptoms are thought to start if the L5 vertebrae slips so far forward as to impinge on the nerve roots in the spinal canal. This can affect the nerves in the same manner as a herniated disc or cause a narrowing of the spinal canal.

The patient might experience pain in the lower back, buttocks, or radiating into the legs. The symptoms might resemble sciatica or spinal stenosis, depending on how the damaged vertebra has shifted.

Warning on Spondylolisthesis Symptoms

If bowel or bladder problems occur, or if there is numbness in the buttocks or genitals, seek professional assistance immediately. These symptoms might indicate cauda equina syndrome. This condition usually requires immediate correction to avoid permanent damage to the affected areas.

Nocebo Effect?

It is not uncommon for a patient to have spondylolisthesis and not even know it. The condition is often discovered during an imaging procedure for a completely unrelated problem. This is where medicine can either help or hinder the patient.

If no symptoms are present, the doctor would be wise to tell the patient that they have spondylolisthesis. BUT...also tell them that it is relatively common and does not need to be a cause for worry. Unfortunately, the patient is often warned that this condition can be a REAL PROBLEM and will need to be monitored carefully. Many patients that get this frightening news will go on to develop pain symptoms. They would have remained pain free if the condition was never found to begin with. This is another powerful example of the nocebo effect!

Remember, spondylolisthesis symptoms do not exist in many people that have the condition.

Spondylolisthesis Symptoms to Back Pain Home page 6/15/06 Revised 6/2/07