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What’s the Difference between Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylosis and spondylolisthesis are two medical terms that often get lumped together, but are they the same thing? The short answer is no, they are not. The two words sound the same because they share a root word: spondylos, which is the Greek word for “spine.” Both are disorders of the spine, but they are two separate conditions.

Spondylosis is an umbrella term used to describe age-related degeneration of the spine. Spondylolisthesis is a specific condition in which a vertebra slips off the supporting vertebra below it. While spondylosis is a fairly common condition in people over the age of 40, spondylolisthesis is a rarer spinal defect.

Spondylosis

As people get older, the soft tissues in their bodies start to degenerate. The spine is not exempt from this process; over time, natural chemical changes and normal wear and tear begin to break down the discs (soft pads of cartilage) that cushion the bones of the spine, as well as the protective layers of cartilage that protect the spine’s joints. As these protective materials get worn away, spinal disorders begin to develop.

One common spinal injury seen in patients with spondylosis is degenerative disc disease, in which the disc thins and becomes less able to absorb shocks the way it was meant to. Another common problem for spondylosis patients are bone spurs – small hooks and nubs of bone that can grow from the spine’s bones and joints after the protective cartilage is worn away. These conditions cause pain by placing pressure on spinal nerves, resulting in symptoms like sciatica.

Spondylolisthesis

Like spondylosis, spondylolisthesis can be caused by age-related degeneration, but it can also be caused by congenital weakness or trauma. In a normal spine, the vertebrae are stacked one on top of the other, separated by discs, to form a single column. In spondylolisthesis, one vertebra slips forward and off of the vertebra below it, disturbing the alignment of the column. This slip may be slight or severe; in the worst cases of spondylolisthesis, the affected vertebra slips completely off of its support, resulting in a condition called spondyloptosis. People with moderate-to-severe spondylolisthesis have a swayback posture.

Similarities between Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis

Although they are two very different conditions with different causes, spondylosis and spondylolisthesis present in similar ways: back pain and stiffness, possible tingling and numbness in the back and legs, gradual worsening of symptoms, and potential for a loss of bladder or bowel control. Treatment plans are similar for both conditions as well. They may include:

• Conservative pain management measures, such as over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers
• Ice or heat to relieve pain and control inflammation
• Exercise, especially exercise that strengthens the core muscles responsible for supporting and stabilizing the spine
• In severe cases, surgery may be recommended for each condition.

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If pain from spondylosis or spondylolisthesis is putting a damper on your activities, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how our safe and effective outpatient procedures can help you rediscover your life without back pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.