SPONDILOLYSESISIS What is Lumbar Slip?

It is the slippage of one of the lumbar vertebrae over the vertebra below. The most common slip is forward. This is called spondylolisthesis in medicine. Rarely, there may be backward slippage, which is called retrolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis (waist shift) is seen with a frequency of 4-8% in adults. This problem is thought to be a stress fracture caused by repetitive loading on the bone ring. Degenerative changes that occur as a result of wear or tear can also lead to this disease. Like graying hair, the spine also ages and wears out over the years. These changes affect the structures that support the healthy alignment of the spine. Degeneration of the disc and facet joints causes the spine to be more mobile than normal. The relaxation and increased movement in this structure lead to additional loads. The disc weakens, the facet joints are compressed. As a result, the support of the facet joints becomes ineffective and the overlying vertebra slides forward. Spondylolisthesis caused by degeneration usually affects people over the age of 40. In general, it causes L4 to slide over L5.

What are the Symptoms of Waist Slip?

The most common clinical complaint is low back pain. This pain often radiates to the legs. Spasm and pain in the muscles at the back of the thigh are important symptoms, and the occurrence of these symptoms, especially in young people and children who play sports, should bring spondylolisthesis to mind. In advanced cases, pain and numbness spreading to the feet and loss of reflex and movement can be seen due to nerve compression.

What are the Treatment Methods for Lumbar Slipping?

Non-surgical methods include short-term bed rest, anti-inflammatory drugs (by mouth or by injection) to reduce pain, pain relievers to control pain, physical therapy methods to improve flexibility and strength, and exercise. The presence of a single vertebral fracture (spondylolysis) or intervertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis) alone in an adult does not create a dangerous situation. Therefore, treatment should be aimed at pain control and the patient's ability to perform daily life activities. Although non-surgical treatment methods do not correct the deformity, they can provide long-term pain control without the need for interventional methods. Surgical treatment can be applied to relieve the nerve exposed to pressure as a result of slippage. In order to relieve the pressure on the nerve near the slip, stabilization with a screw and rod system or fusion may be recommended. In order to return to daily life activities, a full rehabilitation program is recommended after the operation.