Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis – Do you have lower back pain that is worse when you stand? Do feel electrifying sensations rushing down your legs when you stand? Are your muscle spasms constant? Do you have significant muscle weakness? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then read about spondylosis, an injury that may be the root cause of your lower back pain.
What is Spondylosis?
● Spondylosis is a break in the pars interarticularis of the articular pillar because of acute trauma such as a fall.
● The disruption is usually bilateral and occurs mostly in the lower back at the L5 section.
● When there is a bilateral par fracture, the vertebrae can slip forward causing spondylolisthesis.
o Spondylolisthesis can lead to foraminal stenosis and nerve compressions resulting in severe nerve and radicular pain.
Causes
● Trauma
● Falls
● CT
Symptoms
● Intense pain in lower back that is worse when standing
● Numbness and tingling in the lower extremities (buttocks, thighs, legs, and feet)
● Muscle spasms
● Muscle weakness
Diagnosis
● X-rays
● MRI
Treatment
● If you are experiencing this pain, please seek a referral to consult with a pain management specialist for epidural steroid injections.
● A consultation with a neurosurgeon is highly recommended.
● Gabapentin or Lyrica may be effective for reducing the amount of neuropathic pain; however, the main source of the pain needs to be repaired.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2019). Spondylolysis. https://www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10303-spondylolysis
Logika600. (2019). Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Vertebra offset. [Diagram].