Common Symptoms and Challenges of Living with Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis can affect people in different ways but many people who have the condition could experience pain at some point in their life. This article will focus on the most common symptoms and the challenges of living with spondylolisthesis. 

We will also consider possible treatments and the pros and cons of spinal surgery, such as the advantages a mechanical device like the TOPS System has over traditional spinal fusion surgery. 

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Spondylolisthesis: A Quick Explanation

As a person grows older or as the result of an injury or deformity, one or more of the bones in the spine (the vertebrae) can slip forward and press on the nerves or spinal cord. This can occur anywhere in the spine but most often in the lower back. This compression on the nerves usually results in pain and other unpleasant symptoms, although sometimes the condition can be symptomless. 

There are 5 grades of spondylolisthesis based on the degree the vertebra has slipped. 

• Grade 1: a 1-25% slippage
• Grade 2: a 25-50% slippage
• Grade 3: a 50-75% slippage
• Grade 4: a 76-100% slippage
• Grade 5: Over 100% slippage, also referred to as spondyloptosis 

Spondylolisthesis Symptoms

The symptoms of spondylolisthesis can vary depending on the individual and are often unpredictable. For example, a healthy, young adult who has the condition following a sports injury may experience chronic pain. In contrast, a person in their 70s with arthritis may not have any symptoms. 

Pain is the most common symptom of spondylolisthesis and this can range from mild pain while walking over a long period to severe pain that comes and goes. Pain can also be accompanied by other discomforts such as a tingling or burning sensation in the legs, or numbness/ pins and needles in the feet. 

Some people also experience muscle weakness and find walking difficult which affects their gait so they walk with a lean. This pain combination of pain and weakness in the legs can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and may even cause problems in their job. 

In rare cases, a person may also be troubled by a loss of bowel or bladder control, preventing them from enjoying a normal social life. Some people with spondylolisthesis have also reported sexual dysfunction as a result of their condition and the associated stress. 

Spondylolisthesis: The Mental Impact

Back conditions that cause chronic pain can have a serious impact on a person’s mental health and well-being. Stress can build when a back condition impacts a person’s ability to work, potentially leading to money woes from the time taken off and ongoing medical expenses. If measures are not taken to cope with this stress, it could lead to depression. Anyone showing signs of depression should consult with a medical professional right away. 

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Psychological distress is often overlooked as a symptom of spondylolisthesis but the condition can be life-changing and medical bills can be high if a person does not have the relevant insurance. Studies show that almost 20% of people with back pain experience symptoms of depression. Bowel and bladder issues can also cause social anxiety and lower self-esteem. 

Furthermore, back pain can make it difficult to sleep and a lack of sleep can make a person feel more stressed or depressed. This is why it is important to diagnose the issue as soon as possible so pain medication can be prescribed and a course of treatment recommended. 

Treating Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis treatment typically involves medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments. Depending on the severity of a person’s pain, a doctor will issue medication such as over-the-counter painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, antidepressants, opiates, or epidural painkilling injections such as steroids or nerve blocks. 

However, to aid in long-term recovery, physical therapy is considered the most important form of therapy, helping a person improve their physical condition to manage symptoms naturally and return to a normal life. Through a personalized exercise regime, a person with spondylolisthesis will improve muscle strength, flexibility, spinal stability, and mobility. 

If a person is overweight then a doctor will advise them to adjust their diet and exercise regularly to shed the pounds and reduce pressure on the spine. Smokers will also be asked to quit and it will also be advised to reduce alcohol consumption. Smoking and drinking alcohol regularly can have a significant impact on spinal health, preventing the discs that sit between each vertebrae from receiving enough blood flow, water, and nutrients. 

Alternative treatments may include yoga, pilates, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, the use of sleeping aids, or taking herbal supplements. 

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What Happens If Spondylolisthesis Is Left Untreated?

If left untreated, spondylolisthesis symptoms can become much more severe and result in other conditions, spinal problems, or diseases developing. Pain levels in particular could grow to excruciating levels, while long-term nerve compression could cause irreparable damage, causing permanent muscle weakness and possibly even paralysis. 

The chance of a person getting osteoarthritis also increases if the vertebra is left in its slipped position. Incontinence and regular bowel or bladder issues are another possibility, while prolonged spondylolisthesis could lead to infections in the spine which can be life-threatening. 

Other conditions that could be linked to spondylolisthesis include kyphosis and cauda equina syndrome. Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine and this rounding of the back can be physically visible while impairing a person’s mobility and flexibility. Meanwhile, cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves in the lower back become damaged, resulting in serious symptoms. 

If treatment proves unsuccessful then a doctor will recommend invasive surgery as a final option. All surgery carries an element of risk in terms of infection, blood clots, or being unsuccessful, but spinal operations also have long-term side effects. Spinal fusion, for example, permanently reduces a person’s range of motion, making it difficult to perform simple twisting or bending actions. Additionally, as the vertebrae are fused using metal rods and screws, adjacent, healthy vertebrae can become damaged over time. 

Thank you for reading. We hope this short guide has answered any questions you may have had about spondylolisthesis.