animation c/- depuysynthes.com
Slipped Disc
Spondylolisthesis: Describes a “slip” or forward movement of one vertebra compared to another. This is most common in the lowest two levels of the lumbar spine (L4/5 or L5/S1).
This process occurs commonly either due to a failure of posterior bone between two joints (pars interarticularis) to form properly (known as isthmic spondylolisthesis) or due to degeneration of the discs and joints at a spinal level (known as degenerative spondylolisthesis).
Spondylolisthesis can cause either back pain or radiating leg symptoms due to nerves being pinched as they leave the spine (foraminal stenosis).
Severe and constant back pain or nerve compression may require spinal surgery to stabilise the “slip” and recreate space for the compressed spinal nerves.
