Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis happens when a vertebra in your spine slips forward over the one below it. This most often affects the lower back and can cause pain, stiffness, or nerve symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs.

Why it happens:

·  Age-related wear and tear (degeneration)

·  Congenital spine defects

·  Stress fractures from repetitive activity (common in young athletes)

·  Trauma 

Symptoms:

·  Some people have no symptoms

·  Others experience chronic lower back pain, tight muscles, difficulty walking, or sciatica

Diagnosis & Treatment:
Doctors confirm it with a physical exam and imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT). Mild cases may improve with physical therapy, medications, bracing, or injections, while severe cases sometimes require surgery to relieve pressure and stabilize the spine.