What Causes Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

Update Date: 2025-02-12 Source: Network

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Causes and Treatments

Lumbar spondylolisthesis is often caused by genetics, external environmental stress, or structural issues within the body. Specific causes include genetic factors, long-term improper posture, degenerative changes, and trauma. Understanding these causes can better facilitate prevention and treatment.

1. Genetic Factors: Some cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis are related to genetics. Members of a family with a history of similar issues may increase the likelihood of the next generation developing the condition. Congenital dysplasia of the vertebral arch is also a significant cause. This type of spondylolisthesis often gradually appears during adolescence, accompanied by lumbar discomfort or pain.

2. External Environmental Stressors: Engaging in certain high-intensity activities such as weightlifting, manual labor, or sports for extended periods can impose unnecessary burdens on the lumbar spine, promoting vertebral slippage. Poor sitting posture and prolonged sitting without exercise in daily life can also increase pressure on lumbar joints and intervertebral discs, leading to spondylolisthesis.

3. Physiological and Degenerative Changes: As age increases, lumbar joints and intervertebral discs gradually undergo aging, with decreased disc elasticity and ligament stability, easily triggering degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. This condition is more prevalent in middle-aged and elderly individuals, often accompanied by lumbar stiffness and limited mobility.

4. Traumatic Factors: Direct impact, falls, or accidents may cause damage or fractures between vertebrae, leading to spondylolisthesis. This situation is more common in younger individuals, with symptoms potentially occurring acutely and accompanied by significant pain.

Treatment Suggestions: Patients with mild to moderate cases can attempt conservative therapies such as:

Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles of the lumbar and back regions to relieve lumbar pressure.
Using Braces: Wearing lumbar supports to stabilize the spine.
Adjusting Lifestyle Habits: Avoiding prolonged sitting and maintaining correct sitting and standing postures.

Severe cases of spondylolisthesis usually require surgical treatment, such as:

Pedicle Screw Fixation: Stabilizing the vertebrae with screws to improve vertebral stability.
Bone Graft Fusion: Implanting bone graft material between vertebrae to promote bone healing.
Neural Decompression: Relieving neural compression symptoms caused by spondylolisthesis.

Lumbar spondylolisthesis is not unpreventable. Maintaining correct posture, engaging in appropriate exercise, avoiding trauma, and regularly checking lumbar spine health are particularly important. If persistent lumbar pain or limb numbness occurs, seek medical attention promptly, follow medical advice after diagnosis, and prevent symptom deterioration.