- Home
- /
- Speciality
- /
- Cervical Spondylolisthesis
Cervical Spondylolisthesis
It’s no secret that our body changes as we age. While some changes have noticeable signs like greying of hair, some changes gradually develop without showing obvious symptoms like conditions affecting the spine. The overall quality of life can be impacted by spinal conditions which sometimes can be asymptomatic and develop gradually over time depending on their type, location, severity etc.
Health and ageing always go hand in hand. When it comes to spinal disorders there are a number of conditions that aim to manifest as we get older. One such prevalent condition caused by age-related changes in the spine is cervical spondylolisthesis. The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae stacked on top of each other. Cervical spondylolisthesis is a painful condition where one of the vertebrae slides forward over the vertebrae below it causing pain and stiffness in the neck. The sliding bone may press the spinal cord, or nerves causing pain and stiffness in the neck, weakness, and other symptoms. Cervical spondylolisthesis may affect overall well-being by impacting mobility and movements. Individuals suffering from cervical spondylolisthesis may experience neck pain that radiates down the arms, pain worsening with movements, numbness in the arms, etc.
Types of Cervical Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative Cervical Spondylolisthesis
This is the most common type of spondylolisthesis occurring naturally due to wear and tear. The disc (cushion) between the vertebrae wears out with age creating more space between the bones and raising the possibility of slip-outs.Congenital Cervical Spondylolisthesis
By birth or cervical spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs due to abnormal formation of the spine during birth. The condition may worsen as the child grows.Isthmic Cervical Spondylolisthesis
Isthmic spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs due to the breaking of the bone that connects two vertebrae together. The breaking leads to misalignment of the spine and slipping of the vertebrae.Traumatic Cervical Spondylolisthesis
This type of cervical spondylolisthesis is caused by serious injury or accident to the spine that can push the vertebrae out of place.Pathological Cervical Spondylolisthesis
Cervical spondylolisthesis resulting from conditions that weaken the bone (osteoporosis, tumours) is known as pathological cervical spondylolisthesis.Post-surgical Cervical Spondylolisthesis
This type of spondylolisthesis is rare and occurs as a side effect of any prior spinal surgery.Causes of Cervical Spondylolisthesis
The factors that cause the vertebrae to slip out depend on the type of cervical spondylolisthesis. Some of the most common causes include,
Degenerative Changes
Natural wearing out of the spinal disc that works as cushions between the vertebrae can lead to the creation of space between the vertebrae resulting in slippage.Spinal Injury
Trauma or injury from car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause vertebral slippage.Congenital Defects
Conditions like having thinner vertebrae than usual or malformation of the spine can lead to instability and result in cervical spondylolisthesis.Post-Surgical Changes
Prior surgeries like spinal fusion, laminectomy, etc can alter the spinal mechanics and affect the spine’s stability.Underlying Medical Conditions
Several factors like spinal tumours, osteoporosis, etc can weaken the vertebra and lead to conditions like spondylolisthesis.Symptoms of Cervical Spondylolisthesis
The symptoms may differ based on the severity of the vertebral slippage and whether it compresses the spinal cord or nearby nerves. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms while others may experience noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms include,
- Neck Pain: Pain in the neck region pain (persistent or intermittent) is a common sign of vertebral slippage. The pain may worsen with movements especially while bending the neck backwards.
- Stiffness: A reduction in range of motion can be noticed by individuals suffering from cervical spondylolisthesis. The neck muscles may feel unusually tight.
- Numbness & Tingling: Vertebral slippage may cause nerve compression causing a sensation of numbness and tingling in the arms and hands.
- Weakness in Arms & Hands: The pressure on the spinal cord or nerves resulting from vertebral slippage may cause difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks.
- Radiating Pain: The slippage affects nerve roots in the cervical spine causing pain radiating to the shoulders, arms, and upper back.
Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylolisthesis
Cervical spondylolisthesis can be diagnosed by a spine specialist through physical examination and imaging tests. Finding the painful area, and assessing the surrounding muscle strength, sensations, reflexes, postural changes, etc. can be aided by this physical examination. To look for any pain or abnormalities the specialist may ask you to perform certain movements such as walking, bending, and standing straight. The specialist may also ask about pain areas, family medical history, and medical history in order to pinpoint the exact cause. Following a physical examination the specialist may suggest certain imaging tests to determine the type and severity of the issue. Cervical spondylolisthesis can be diagnosed with imaging tests, including:
Spinal X-ray: Provides a basic view of the vertebrae.
MRI: For detailed images of the soft tissues, disc ligaments nerves etc.
CT Scan: Aids in locating damaged discs and nerves.
Treatments for Cervical Spondylolisthesis
-
Non-surgical/Conservative Treatment: Conservative measures are used to manage the symptoms. Non-surgical treatments are usually recommended for individuals with mild symptoms and low-level slippage. These include using a brace (cervical collar) to limit movement and lower stress on the neck, taking over-the-counter painkillers, getting enough rest and taking a break from strenuous exercise. In addition, physical therapy can be used as part of conservative treatment to help strengthen muscles and reduce spinal strain.
-
Surgical Treatment: Individuals with more severe symptoms and a higher degree of vertebral slippage are advised to undergo surgery. Severe pain that interferes with standing, walking, performing fine motor tasks, and other activities may necessitate surgery. If non-operative treatment options fail the specialist might recommend surgery. Spinal fusion, spinal decompression and other surgical procedures are used to treat cervical spondylolisthesis.
Preventing Cervical Spondylolisthesis
In order to prevent cervical spondylolisthesis one must lead a healthy lifestyle, limit neck strain and address risk factors that may be linked to spinal instability. Below are the preventive measures to imply,
|
Measures |
Description |
| Posture | Maintain head and spine alignment; avoid slouching |
| Exercise | Strengthen neck & core muscles; improve flexibility with regular stretches |
| Strain Reduction | Avoid repetitive neck movements and heavy lifting |
| Use Ergonomic Supports | Use supportive pillows and mattresses |
| Manage Weight | Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal strain |
| Early Intervention | Treat health conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis |
| Injury Recovery | Allow proper healing after injuries before resuming physical activities |
Meet Our Doctors
Be a super-mom, stay informed about pregnancy health updates with our weekly newsletter
[contact-form-7 id=”16292″ title=”Subscribe”]
FAQs Around Cervical Spondylolisthesis
What is cervical spondylolisthesis?
Cervical spondylolisthesis is a condition where one of the vertebrae slides forward over the vertebrae below it causing pain and stiffness in the neck.
Why does cervical spondylolisthesis happen?
Various factors can result in cervical spondylolisthesis including age-related wear & tear of the spine, spinal injury, congenital defects, prior spinal surgery, etc.
Who treats spondylolisthesis?
An Orthopaedic Surgeon treats Spondylolisthesis.
Can spondylolisthesis be reversed?
No, Spondylolisthesis cannot be fully reversed. However, conservative/non-surgical and surgical treatment approaches can be used to manage the symptoms.
How to know if you have cervical spondylosis?
Cervical spondylolisthesis can be diagnosed by a spine specialist through physical examination and imaging tests. Individuals suffering from cervical spondylosis may experience neck pain, weakness in the arms & hands, etc.