You have what? I've heard this so many times, so I thought I would break down exactly what I am dealing with. I'll try and make this as easy as possible to understand.
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra in your spine slides forward over the vertebra below it. It most often occurs in the lower spine. Mine has occurred at the L5-S1 level. In some cases it may lead to your spinal cord or nerve roots being squeezed. In my case, the L5 nerve root is severely pinched. This causes pain in my lower back, numbness, weakness, and pain in my legs (mainly the right leg, but the left leg is now being effected).
The bones in your spine come together at several small joints that keep the bones lined up while still allowing them to move. Spondylolisthesis is caused by a problem with one ore more of those small joints. These problems may include:
- A defective joint that you've had since birth (congenital).
- A joint damaged by accident or other trauma.
- A vertebra with a stress fracture.
- A joint damaged by an infection or arthritis.
My spondylolisthesis is caused by a stress fracture of the pars of the L5 vertebra. It is hard to say how it was fractured or when it occurred. I will probably never know. Spinal fusion surgery is not a treatment for everyone. In fact, it is considered to be a last option. All other treatments have failed. Now I have no other choice but to have rods and screws put in my spine to help stabilize it. This will allow the nerve root to become unpinched and to heal.
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