SPONDYLOSIS

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Spondylosis is a condition of degenerative changes in the spine. Spondylosis can progress into spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one vertebra over another vertebra. This can occur in three different ways: forward (anterolistheis), backward (retrolistheis), or sideways (laterlistheis). Symptoms of spondylosis and spondylistotheisis are back pain, sciatica, numbness, difficulty walking, and burning sensations.

Spondylosis is most commonly caused by degenerative disc disease. It can also occur due to weakened ligaments in the lower part of the spine. The most common area for spondylolisthesis is L4-L5. Laminectomy, a surgical procedure to remove part of the lamina, is preformed to help relieve nerve impingement.