The word “spondylolisthesis” comes from the Greek word spondylos, which means “spine” or “vertebra,” and listhesis, which means “to slip or slide.” Therefore, it’s easy to figure out that spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips out of place and onto the vertebra below it. The condition typically affects the vertebra of the lower back. If the vertebra slips too far, it may press on a nerve, which will cause pain.

The three most common forms of the condition are:

• Degenerative Spondylolisthesis is the most common form and happens with aging as the discs that cushion the vertebrae become less spongy.
• Congenital Spondylolisthesis where an abnormal bone formation is present at birth.
• Isthmic Spondylolisthesis, which is the result of a condition called spondylolysis that leads to small stress fractures in the vertebrae.

Less common are:

• Traumatic Spondylolisthesis occurs when an injury causes a spinal fracture.
• Pathological Spondylolisthesis occurs when a disease like osteoporosis, a tumor, or an infection weakens the spine.
• Post-Surgical Spondylolisthesis sometimes happens after spine surgery.