What Are the Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis?

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis range from mild to severe, and vary from patient to patient. Some people with spondylolisthesis may not experience any symptoms at all. In early stages, spondylolisthesis symptoms of pain may be present when activity involving the back or neck is performed.

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Symptoms

• Localized or radiating pain in the back, buttocks, and/or thighs
  
• Muscle tightness and stiffness
  
• Tenderness in the area of the spondylolisthesis
  
• Reduced range of motion in the lower back
  
• Numbness and tingling sensations in the legs
  
• Muscular weakness if the condition is allowed to progress far enough
  

Cervical Spondylolisthesis Symptoms

• Localized or radiating pain in the shoulder and arm
  
• Muscle tightness and stiffness
  
• Tenderness in the area of the spondylolisthesis
  
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
  
• Numbness and tingling sensations in the arms
  
• Muscular weakness if the condition is allowed to progress far enough
  

Note From Dr. Liu
It is important to note that not all patients with spondylolisthesis will feel painful lumbar or cervical spondylolisthesis symptoms.

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis are dependent on where in the spine the slippage has happened. If your vertebrae have slipped in your neck you will feel symptoms in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Symptoms of spondylolisthesis will be felt in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and thighs when lumbar slippage occurs.