Introduction
A vertebra is a tiny bony disc that connects the vertebrae, the backbone's succession of tiny bones. Intervertebral discs act as a cushion between each vertebra. The nucleus pulposus, an inner core of these discs, is what makes them up. The annulus fibrosus, a robust outer ring of ligament fibers, keeps them secure. When a single vertebra slips and slides back along the intervertebral disc under or above it, this condition is known as retrolisthesis. It differs from a dislocation.
The opposite of spondylolisthesis is the spinal condition known as retrolisthesis. The difference is directional; however, both situations entail a vertebral body sliding over the one below. Spondylolisthesis, also known as anterolisthesis, is an anterior or forward slip, whereas retrolisthesis is a posterior or backward slippage. Vertebral displacement is another name for either disease. Retrolisthesis is the less prevalent of the two.
What Are the Types of Retrolisthesis?
Retrolisthesis comes in three varieties. They are based on the vertebra's displacement in comparison to the vertebrae next to it.
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Complete Retrolisthesis: Backward movement of one vertebra affects both the upper and lower spinal segments.
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Partial Retrolisthesis: Backward movement of one vertebra to a spinal segment either below or above.
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Stair Stepped Retrolisthesis: To the body of a spinal segment that is above but before the one below, one vertebra goes rearward.
How Is Retrolisthesis Graded?
Based on the percentage of the intervertebral foramina's backward displacement, there are four grades of retrolisthesis.
The grades also assist in determining how unstable the adjacent joint is.
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Grade I: 25 %
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Grade II: 25 % to 50 %
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Grade III: 50 % to 75 %
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Grade IV: 75 % to 100 %
Where Does Retrolisthesis Occur?
Although less often, retrolisthesis can occur in the cervical spine (shoulder and neck region), lumbar spine (lower back and pelvic region), and thoracic spine (stomach region). The displacement is measured by doctors in millimeters.
What Are the Symptoms Experienced by a Patient of Retrolisthesis?
The symptoms vary according to a number of circumstances, such as general health, the location of the slippage, and which nerve tissues, spinal joints, and other tissues were impacted.
The following are some of the symptoms and warnings:
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Uneasiness in one area of the back.
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Spine distortion or a bulge in the back.
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The range of motion is limited.
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Pain in the back.
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Pain in other regions of displacement.
One may also feel numbness, tingling, or sharp, pinched pain in the following areas of the body;
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The hips.
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The thighs.
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The legs.
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The buttocks.
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The neck.
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The shoulders.
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The arms.
What Are the Causes Behind Retrolisthesis?
Reduced intervertebral disk height or reduced height between vertebrae are the two main causes of retrolisthesis. Although there are a number of disorders and variables that might shorten the intervertebral disks, some of them include the following:
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Osteoporosis and rickets, injury to the spine or the surrounding area, infections in the blood or bones, and weak core muscles that are insufficient for stabilizing the back.
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Shortages in the nutrients necessary to maintain bone density and repair disks, cartilage, and nerves.
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Abnormalities in fetal development.
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Arthritis erodes bone strength.
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Fractures that are caused by trauma and stress.
How Will the Doctor Test for Retrolisthesis?
The doctor will examine the patient physically and inquire about the problems. But a lateral spine X-ray is the most effective tool for detecting retrolisthesis. If the patient is lying down when the X-ray is taken, the doctor would not be able to see retrolisthesis. The slippage between spinal disks will be measured by the doctor to assess the X-rays. They will trace multiple lines over the vertebral column image, then measure the space between each line. Retrolisthesis is evident when there is a gap of at least 2 millimeters.
Other X-ray findings associated with retrolisthesis include:
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The vacuum phenomenon is also known as the buildup of gas between vertebrae and discs.
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It causes disk height to decrease and bone spurs to form.
What Are the Treatment Modalities for Retrolisthesis?
Reducing inflammation and pain is the aim of treatment for retrolisthesis. Depending on how bad the problem is and how additional tissues and disks can be impacted, different treatment modalities may be used. Only ineffective nonsurgical treatments require surgery.
Before advising surgery, the orthopedists and doctor will determine whether there will be long-term spinal and neurological damage. Spinal surgery tries to prevent or restore any neurologic loss and lessen slippage, discomfort, and instability, among other things.
What Are the Nonsurgical Treatments for Retrolisthesis?
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Strengthening the spine, back, and core muscles with physical therapy.
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Myofascial release, or massages that promote circulation and assist muscles in regaining tone.
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Low-level electric currents are used in microcurrent therapy to lessen pain, edema, and inflammation.
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Applying heat compressions for pain.
What Is the Role of Nutrition in Treating Retrolisthesis?
Consuming enough food is necessary to support the body's ability to repair soft tissue injury. The following nutrients are of paramount importance:
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Eat meals rich in copper, such as peas, peanut butter, and green vegetables.
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Dairy products, leafy greens, and sardines are all good sources of calcium.
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Aliments enhanced with vitamin D, such as bread, milk, and cereal are helpful in treating retrolisthesis.
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Bananas contain manganese. Spinach, cantaloupe, and carrots are foods high in vitamin A.
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Broccoli, oranges, and lemons are foods high in vitamin C. Pork, lamb, and nuts are foods high in zinc.
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Meats, legumes, and lentils are all sources of proteins and amino acids.
The ideal levels of each nutrient for the patient can be determined by speaking with a dietician.
A healthy diet can aid in maintaining a healthy weight. Losing weight can assist individuals in lowering the pressure on their vertebrae if they are overweight.
What Are the Exercises and Physical Therapies for Retrolisthesis?
The patient can learn proper lifting, bending, and sitting skills from a physical therapist whom the doctor might recommend. Physical therapy and exercise can support weight management.
They can also help patients achieve better:
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Mobility.
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Flexibility.
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Strength.
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Pain relief.
Exercises that target the right muscles include pilates, yoga, and walking. The patient can try the following exercises at home:
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Sitting pelvic tilts on a ball.
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Ab crunches.
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Hip extensions.
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Lower back rolls.
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The patient can also practice good posture while at work and avoid sitting with flexed hips and knees.
Conclusion
Retrolisthesis is a rare condition that is considered the opposite of spondylolisthesis. Reduced intervertebral disk height or reduced height between vertebrae are the two main causes of retrolisthesis. Reducing inflammation and pain is the aim of treatment for retrolisthesis. The patients are initially treated with nonsurgical modalities, which, if unsuccessful, leads to surgical intervention. Exercise and diet are also important to prevent the condition from occurring altogether.
