Spotlight on Spondylolisthesis

Many people who visit chiropractors or undergo physical therapy because of back pain are older adults, but back pain can occur at any age. A classic example is spondylolisthesis, which tends to develop in teenagers. Spondylolisthesis refers to the movement of a vertebra, or spinal bone, out of its proper place. The shifting of a vertebra can cause lower back pain that feels like muscle strain, and may improve with rest and worsen with activity. The pain may extend down to the buttocks and backs of the thighs.

Spondylolisthesis typically stems from spondylolysis, which is a stress fracture in a vertebra. The stress fracture can weaken the vertebra to the extent that the bone can no longer stay in the right position. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are common among young athletes who participate in gymnastics, weightlifting, or football, since these activities stress the lower back.