Differance Between Spondylolisthesis, Spondylosis & Spondylosis 

Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis are interrelated conditions related to vertebral slippage, but spondylosis is a distinct and separate health issue on premature degenerative changes of spinal joints. We have provided a brief description of these three conditions below:

• Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one spinal vertebra over another.
• Spondylosis is an age-related or premature degenerative process that impacts spinal discs and spinal joints. Spondylolysis is a bony defect at the junction of the superior and inferior articulating processes, pars interarticularis. 
• Spondylosis is entirely different from spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis. Spondylosis is more of an osteoarthritic condition impacting the joints, resulting in bone spurs. Moreover, some clinicians may also use the term to describe a condition in patients with slight disc bulges and bone spurs (osteoarthritis) simultaneously.

The Difference Between Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

The difference between spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is the pars fracture. However, there are rare instances where spondylolysis or pars defect presents without a forward slippage, as seen in spondylolisthesis. Pars fracture or defect or pars (pars interarticularis) as seen in patients with spondylolysis is of more significant concern as they can rapidly worsen. 

The Pars interarticular is a Latin word that translates into “parts near joints or articulations). Patients with a forward slippage of vertebrae (Spondylolisthesis) with a pars fracture or a pars defect are diagnosed as spondylolisthesis with spondylolysis. 

A vertebra may slip forward due to this bony defect or a fracture, causing neurological signs and symptoms. This condition is more commonly seen in males. Spondylolisthesis is more likely to be unstable; the forward slippage may progress during adolescence or adulthood.

Spondylosis & Spondyloliesthis Are Two Separate Spine Conditions

As mentioned, spondylosis is a loose term describing osteoarthritis (bone spurs), spinal disc degeneration, and at times mild spinal disc slippage such as a mild bulge. Spondylosis is a painful condition of the spinal discs due to premature degenerative changes and slippage. 

Is There A Classification Or Grading For Spondylolisthesis or Spondylolysis?

There are two types of classification or grading methods used for spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis :

1. A classification that is descriptive of causes of spondylolisthesis & spondylolysis
2. Grading or classifications based on the severity of anterior or forward slippage

Spondylolisthesis Classification Or Grading Based On Severity Of Slippage

Classifications or grading of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis measure the degree or severity in forwarding or anterior slippage. Spondylolisthesis with or without spondylolysis grading systems that classify it as listed below:

1. Grade I: Spondylolisthesis slippage that is less than 25%
2. Grade II: Grade 2 (II) describes a slippage of 25-49%
3. GradeIII: Grade 3 spondylolisthesis is descriptive of 50 to 74% slippage
4. Grade IV: In Grade 4 spondylolisthesis, the slippage is garter than 75%

Classification Based On Cause Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis with or without spondylolysis is also classified based on its etiology or cause. Etiological classification are re as types, and there are four types:

1. Type 1 Spondylolisthesis: TYpe 1 is due to a congenital deficiency of the bony architecture of the spinal vertebra. This bony weakness can cause the forward slippage of L5 on the S1 vertebra. Type 1 dysplastic spondylolisthesis has a higher genetic association. So the first-degree relatives of the affected individual are more predisposed to spondylolisthesis.
2. Type 2 Spondylolisthesis: Type 2 is an isthmic spondylolisthesis involves damage in the pars interarticularis. This is most commonly seen at the L5/S1 level. Chronic stress fracture, chronic repetitive stress leading to elongated but intact pars, or acute pars fracture can cause defect at pars interarticularis. T
3. Type 3 Spondylolistheis: Type 3 is due to intersegmental instability from chronic degenerative changes and usually involves L4 and L5.
4. Type 4 Spondylolistheis: Type 4 has a traumatic factor, and type 5 involves other pathologic factors. 

Spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, and spondylosis may cause or complicate neck pain, back pain, or slip-disc conditions. Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain or back pain
• Upper back pain, pain in shoulders, arms, wrists, or hands
• Pain in buttocks, hips, thighs, legs, or feet
• SI joint pain or sacroiliac joint pain 
• Numbness in the buttocks, upper back  or  extremities (Upper and lower limbs)
• Weakness in the arms or legs (foot drop)
• Loss of bowel and bladder control in severe cases

Some with spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, or spondylosis may not experience any symptoms until later years in life or when they progress or worsen.

What Is The Best Treatment For Spondylolisthesis In Malaysia?

Spondylolisthesis in Malaysia is treated through chiropractic, physiotherapy, or spine surgery. Spine surgery such as spinal fusion is the leading surgical method used to help parents with spondylolisthesis. However, its success rate is low. It is better to go for chiropractic treatment combined with physiotherapy. The best non-surgical center for Spondylolisthesis in Malaysia is Chiropractic Specialty Center®. Our methods and spine technology can help you recover without surgery or injections. However, spondylolisthesis grades III and IV will require surgical consultation. Call our center today to see how our experts can help your recovery today.

For more information about treatment spondylolisthesis with our without spondylolysis or on an entirely different condition, spondylosis by call 03-2093 1000.