Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: January 14, 2026
Our vertebrae are held in place by strong soft structures throughout the spinal complex, but if these structures or the vertebrae themselves break down, support for the vertebral section can wane. When this happens, one or more vertebral sections can shift relative to the other sections. When one section moves backward relative to the vertebra below it, it’s known as spinal retrolisthesis. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why it develops, what symptoms it brings and how the condition can be effectively treated.
Causes And Symptoms Of Retrolisthesis
As we mentioned above, spinal retrolisthesis is categorized by a posterior displacement of a vertebral segment. Oftentimes it develops in the cervical or lumbar portion of the spine, as these regions are less stable than the thoracic section in the middle of the spine. It’s a condition that tends to be more common in older adults because it is more likely to occur when degenerative changes have occurred within the spine. Facet joint arthritis, ligament weakening and disc degeneration are all underlying risk factors for retrolisthesis onset. Aside from these underlying risk factors, the condition can also develop as a result of acute injury, chronic/repetitive stress, prolonged poor spinal posture or due to a genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of retrolisthesis can range in severity depending on how the shifted vertebra is affecting nearby structures. Some may experience mild discomfort, while others could experience severe neurological impairment. Symptoms include:
- Local or radiating pain
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Posture changes
- Bowel/Bladder dysfunction
Diagnosing And Treating Spinal Retrolisthesis
If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms, head in for a consultation or set up an appointment with a spine specialist. They’ll talk with you about your symptoms, perform a physical exam and see how your body responds to gentle movements. From there, they may also recommend advanced imaging in the form of an X-ray or MRI to determine the position and extent of the displacement.
If retrolisthesis is the diagnosis, your doctor will walk you through a standard treatment protocol. In most instances where symptoms are not severely crippling, they’ll recommend conservative care to see how the body responds before trying more invasive methods. Those non-operative techniques include options like physical therapy to strengthen supportive muscle groups, gentle stretching techniques to expand comfortable range of motion, and some treatments to assist with day-to-day discomfort, like over-the-counter pain medications or muscle relaxers. They’ll also recommend that you pursue low-impact exercise regularly and avoid extended seated periods, which can place excessive static strain on the affected vertebra. Back braces or similar support devices may be recommended to provide additional stability while the body is working to heal.
In the event that conservative care doesn’t provide relief, a surgical correction may be necessary. Surgery may involve a spinal fusion to stabilize the shifted vertebral section or to decompress the affected nerves in the area. You surgeon can walk you through your specific options should it come to this point, but most patients can make enough progress that a surgical correction is not necessary.
For more information about spinal retrolisthesis or other spinal conditions, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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