What can trigger spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis (spondylolisthesis, slipped vertebra) is a slippage of vertebrae to the ventral (front) side. The vertebral joints are unstable. Typical is the occurrence especially in the lumbar spine area.

This leads to restricted movement and pain in the lumbar spine (lumbar spine). Spondylolisthesis is triggered by a previous spondylolysis, which causes hypermobility in the affected spinal segment. Certain sports, such as gymnastics, dolphin swimming, trampoline jumping or javelin throwing, can trigger spondylolisthesis if the training load is high enough, since a high load with simultaneous overextension (hyperlorodosis) of the spinal column affects it.

Due to the hyperlooseness of the spinal segment, different pressure ratios are created at the vertebral base plates and vertebral cover plates. This in turn leads to uneven growth of the vertebral body. This results in spondylolisthesis. The risk is highest in childhood and adolescence, since the vertebrae are still in the growth phase.

Contraindications

If you suffer from hyperlordosis, ski jump phenomenon or a hollow back, you should specifically train the abdominal muscles and consider stretching exercises for the back and ischiocrural muscles. If you suffer from Bekhterev’s disease or hunchback symptoms, it is recommended to exercise the back muscles (especially the deep muscles) and to integrate stretching exercises for chest and abdominal muscles into the training program. If you also suffer from osteoporosis or have already reached an advanced stage of spondylolisthesis (with threatening stenosis), contact your doctor or therapist to discuss your exercise capacity. In harder cases, surgical spondylodesis or decompression (e.g. stiffening of vertebrae or removal of spinal stenosis) may even be recommended.

Avoid exercises that could further promote over-mobility as well as excessive abrupt movements or stretching that could aggravate the symptoms.
Jumps or high loads on the spine due to weights (dumbbell training) are counterproductive.

Further therapeutic measures

In the case of spondylolisthesis, massage therapy can also be used to release tense muscle groups. For pain therapy, the use of electrotherapy or ultrasound applications has proven to be effective. The wearing of corsets to relieve the spine can be used in special cases to avoid lesions.

Water gymnastics is also effective because it relieves the spine and muscle groups can be trained very extensively. The use of work ergonomic tables, standing desks and office chairs should be considered for appropriate office activities. Important tips are given in the article Posture improvement at the workplace Breath therapy can and should be used in combination with stabilizing exercises in order to also include the intercostal muscles and respiratory auxiliary muscles in a therapy. Pelvic floor training (especially in the case of hyperlorine dosage) is also recommended as a measure, since the pelvic floor and the associated structures can be damaged or are already affected by poor posture.In milder forms of spondylolisthesis, sling table treatment is another therapy option to relieve the intervertebral discs and release blockages.