Sliding vertebra

When one of the bones in the spine (vertebra) slowly slips forward and out of place, it is known as a sliding or slipped vertebra.

Medical professionals

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

When one of the bones in the spine (vertebra) slowly slips forward and out of place, it is known as a sliding or slipped vertebra. A preventable risk factor is the overstraining of the “hollow back”, e.g. when doing gymnastics. This can cause back pain in the lumbar region, in particular during exercise or physical exertion. Exercises to strengthen and relax the back muscles can have a preventive effect.

Symptoms

Often asymptomatic (90%)
Back pain
- During exercise/physical exertion
- Typically in the “hollow back”
- Pain radiates into the buttock/leg

Causes and treatment

Causes

Principle: one of the bones in the spine (often in the lumbar spine region) slips out of place and pushes forward (seldom backward) onto the bone below it

Crack or stress fracture in one of the vertebrae (spondylolysis)
Excessive spine curvature in the “hollow back” (hyperlordosis)
- Artistic/apparatus gymnastics
- Athletics (throwing/jumping events)
- Butterfly stroke
Genetic susceptibility
Wear and tear
Accident
Deformities of the spine

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Physical examination
Imaging tests
- X-ray
- CT scan (computed tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Possible therapies

Physiotherapy
Painkillers
Corset treatment, if necessary
Surgery, if necessary

What can I do myself?

Avoid overbending of the spine
- i.e. don't do risky sports
Exercises to strengthen and relax the back muscles
Regular exercise

When to see a doctor?

Severe back pain
Chronic back pain
Difficulty passing urine
Involuntary passing of urine or stools
Accompanied by pain in the leg
Sensory disturbances and paralysis

Further information

Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital Bern
www.neurochirurgie.insel.ch

Synonyms

sliding vertebra, sliding vertebrae, slipped vertebra, slipped vertebrae, spondylolisthesis, SL, anterolisthesis, ventrolisthesis, retrolisthesis, spondylolysis, spondyloptosis, pseudospondylolisthesis, olisthesis, listhesis