Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is where one of the bones in your spine, known as a vertebra, slips out of position.

It's most common in the lower back, but it can also happen in the mid to upper back or at the top of the spine at the back of your neck.

Spondylolisthesis is not the same as a slipped disc. A slipped disc is when a disc (the tissue between the bones in your spine) moves out of place.

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis

Many people may not realise they have spondylolisthesis because it does not always cause symptoms.

Symptoms can include:

• lower back pain – which is usually worse when you're active or when you're standing, and is often relieved by lying down
• pain, numbness or a tingling feeling spreading from your lower back down your legs (sciatica) – this happens if the bone in the spine presses on a nerve
• tight hamstring muscles
• stiffness or tenderness in your back
• curvature of the spine (kyphosis)

The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person