Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward or backward over the vertebra below it, usually in the lumbar spine (lower back). This misalignment can occur due to congenital defects, age-related degeneration, trauma, or stress fractures in the pars interarticularis (a part of the vertebra). The condition can cause symptoms like lower back pain, stiffness, and, if the nerve roots are compressed, radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. The severity of the condition is graded based on the degree of vertebral
slippage, with more advanced cases leading to greater nerve involvement and more pronounced symptoms.
In a pain management setting, treatments for spondylolisthesis focus on alleviating pain, improving function, and preventing further nerve damage. Initial treatments typically involve medications, including NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and over-the-counter pain relievers for mild discomfort. If nerve pain is present, neuropathic pain medications like gabapentin or pregabalin may be prescribed. For more persistent pain, epidural steroid injections can deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area to reduce swelling and relieve
pressure on the nerves. Physical therapy and core strengthening exercises are commonly recommended to stabilize the spine and improve posture. In severe cases, where conservative treatments fail, surgical options such as spinal fusion may be considered to stabilize thes pine and correct the misalignment.
