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Retrolisthesis is a spinal disorder characterized by joint displacement. It can occur in the lumbar or cervical spine as a single vertebra (spinal bone) moves backwards or below an intervertebral disc. Retrolisthesis can develop a range of indications and requires treatment accordingly.

The optimal role of the spine varies according to the condition of all its parts. The spine involves many bones known as vertebrae, which join on top of each other in a neutral or straight alignment, isolated by intervertebral discs. Retrolisthesis includes a vertebra transferring backwards out of an accurate position compared to the rest of the spine. It has many causes, forms, and treatment requirements.

What is Retrolisthesis?

The activities of a vertebra does not significantly impact the spine. Even vertebral activity as small as 2 millimeters can disturb the spine’s arrangement and biomechanics.

Retrolisthesis, a disorder characterized by the misalignment of one vertebra compared to the one underneath it, can differ in severity. Grade 1 retrolisthesis is a mild retrolisthesis type often scaled less than 4 mm. Generally seen in the lumbosacral location, like L4-L5 or L5-S1, Grade 1 retrolisthesis might cause indications like backache, muscle stiffness, and front neck pain.

What are the Causes of Retrolisthesis?

The spine of an individual with retrolisthesis possesses less space among the vertebrae, which can occur for different causes. Studies have not defined and explained responses about why the vertebral discs and space among the vertebrae lower on their own. Yet, the following parameters might take part as underlying causes:

• Arthritis

• Spinal-degeneration issues

• Spinal trauma or injury

• Congenital abnormalities

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Blood/bone infections

• Weak core or backbone muscles

• Spinal disorders like osteoporosis

Types of Retrolisthesis

There are three major types of retrolisthesis: 

• Complete Retrolisthesis

• Partial retrolisthesis

• Staircase Retrolisthesis

1- Complete Retrolisthesis

Complete retrolisthesis includes a single vertebra slipping backward concerning surrounding vertebrae (below and above).

2- Partial Retrolisthesis

Partial retrolisthesis includes a single vertebra slipping backward in the direction of the vertebrae below it or above it.

3- Staircase Retrolisthesis

Staircase retrolisthesis happens when a single vertebra slides backward, away from the ones present above, and forward of those below.

These variations are subtle and might be hard to picture. The condition consists of a spinal vertebra moving backward, out of the appropriate arrangement, with the rest of the backbone. It affects the backbone’s structural confirmation, and sometimes, the slip in position can include a vertebra moving backward and below an intervertebral disc.

How Will Your Doctor Test For Retrolisthesis?

Pain physicians in Dallas will conduct a physical assessment and ask about your indications. After the evaluation, if a doctor diagnoses retrolisthesis, they may suggest a lateral X-ray. A pain specialist in Dallas will analyze the X-ray, likely marking several lines on the affected area, to compare the alignment of the vertebrae and evaluate how far the vertebral disc has slipped out of its original position.

However, the appropriate way to identify retrolisthesis is with the application of a lateral X-ray test of the backbone. Your doctor might not be able to observe retrolisthesis if the X-ray is performed when you’re lying down.

Pain management in Dallas will evaluate your X-rays by analyzing the slippage among vertebral discs. They’ll sketch several lines on the picture of your vertebra and calculate the distance among the lines. A variance of 2 millimeters or greater is an indication of retrolisthesis.

Other X-ray results associated with retrolisthesis consist of the following:

• vacuum phenomenon, or the collection of gas among discs and vertebra

• Bone spur formation

• reduction of disc height

Prevention

Retrolisthesis is always difficult to prevent. For example, an individual may observe an injury that results in the back slipping from normal alignment. For some individuals, retrolisthesis occurs due to genetic factors.

For the majority of individuals, following a few of these basic tips can support the prevention of retrolisthesis:

• Maintaining good body posture during movements like sitting and standing

• Performing yoga, core strengthening classes, and pilates in routines

• Ignoring straining the back muscles with excessive work

• Quitting smoking, which causes joint damage

• Enhancing the strength of lower core muscles while performing regular exercise

• Maintaining a balanced diet

What are the Surgical options for Retrolisthesis?

Surgery is the last option when all the other conventional methods fail. The prominent target of the surgery is to:

• Lower back pain

• Decrease slippage

• Manage instability

• Restore or prevent neurological damage

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy and exercises:

• Enhance mobility

• Elevate flexibility

• Gain endurance in all the bones and muscles.

• Cut back and leg pain

• Identify new methods to eat, move, or sit

Lifestyle Modifications

A nutritious diet may help improve the fitness of bones and joints. It might also help enhance weight loss and decrease stress on the vertebrae.

To reduce your chances of developing retrolisthesis, maintain good posture, exercise daily, and follow healthy eating habits.