If you have ever been diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis you might at first be extremely worried however take a deep breath and then look at the word in two parts.  The word spondylo simply means the spine, and the second part of the word means slippage or to slip.  Now put them together and you have a huge, long word that means the spine is slipping.  More exactly the vertebra, of which there are 33, are slipping forward or over the top of the one lying below it.  This does not mean that all 33 are slipping, generally it is only one or two and most commonly this slippage occurs in the lumbar, or low back region. 

Generally Spondylolisthesis or complete Spondylolisthesis does not occur all at once but is a gradual degeneration over time as the disks between the vertebra are worn down.  This painful condition is usually found more often in men than in women because of strenuous activities such as weightlifting, football and other more physical occupations.  However single as well as repeated force being applied tot he spine can cause this disorder such as impact injuries.

In the beginning stages of Spondylolisthesis there is little, if any symptoms and the problem might only be found by e-rays that are taken for a different set of symptoms.  Later as the slippage become worse, there is increasing pain in the low back, especially after exercising or walking long distances.  There can be pain or weakness in the legs and thighs as well as a reduced ability to control the bowel and bladder functions as Spondylolisthesis continues to digress.

The degree or severity of Spondylolisthesis is measured in percentages on a grading scale with grade 1 being only 25% of the vertebral body having slipped forward and grade 4 being 100% slippage.  If caught in a timely manner during grades 1 and 2 stretching, the use of braces, physical therapy and mild home exercises are very effective in helping to control further slippage as well as working towards good pain management.  Another pain relief therapy would be the use of hot and cold packs.  In severe cases your physician might recommend more drastic measures such as surgery or epidurals.