Question 1

transitional lumbosacral anatomy. the inferiormost, well- formed disc space is labeled l5-s1. mild retrolisthesis of l5 on s1. minimal retrolisthesis of l4 on l5. the lumbar vertebrae are normal in height. would this cause me pain? what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

: Retrolisthesis is a relatively uncommon finding by spine X-ray. This condition does not often cause any symptom but neck or back pain can be a presenting symptom. In general, the observed X- ray change may not correlate well with the symptom. You can read more about this condition, i.e. what retrolisthesis is, from this link - https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/what-is-lumbar-retrolisthesis

Question 2

what is chronic grade retrolisthesis of the l4 on l5?

Accepted Answer

Typically represent: degenerative settling across a spinal segment, in your case L4 settles on L5 and not lined up with it as it should be, but instead L4 is noted to be lined up slightly backwards relative to L5.

Question 3

i have herinated buldging of my l4-l5.and also have degenerative disc dieases.well now im told i also have stable retrolisthesis ofl4and5.

Accepted Answer

Pain management : It sounds like you have Chronic pain problem . Find a good pain specialist preferably an anesthesiologist who specializes in regional pain injections that will help your pain . I have sent patients to such specialists with excellent results . Back surgery should be your ladt option to entertain . Also think about physical therapy , wright loss , regular exercise . May think of laser Spine Surgery

Question 4

why would 5mm retrolisthesis at l4/l5 be seen on 1 lumbar xray and not another months later, or another 2 years later? does retrolistesis heal?

Accepted Answer

Movement possible: Spondylolisthesis is when vertebrae move relative to each other. So it's possible to see it on one film &amp;not another. Also 5mm is small amount &amp;one radiologist may see it (or think she sees it) &amp;other may not. Some minor findings are in eye of the beholder. Sounds like spine has been stable; should be reassuring. Be careful of focusing on spine too much. Can lead to more pain &amp;unneeded procedures.

Question 5

23m 5mm paracentral  bulge @ l4-5 & l5-s1, 4mm retrolisthesis at both levels as well. s/p l5-s1 discectomy/hemilaminotomy & 3 epidurals. still have daily pain at least 4/10 & getting worse. what next?

Accepted Answer

Whats next: You are doing the right thing by asking questions as you will be better informed about the decisions you'll have to make. One has to first realize pain is a subjective perception which can be altered in a positive or negative way through outside forces. Think good & it should be good. It is best to discuss this in person with a doctor who is not "trigger happy" with their rx or scalpel.

Question 6

an x-ray (not ct or mri) indicates that i have a l4/l5 0.3 cm degenerative grade 1 retrolisthesis. i am approx 70 yrs. what is the usual treatment for this, if there is one? also, is it unlikely that a vertebra could somehow slip back into place?

Accepted Answer

: A grade 1 retrolisthesis is not especially significant unless it is causing you pain. You should see a PM&amp;R doctor, also known as a Physiatrist, who can further assess your condition and will likely send you to the most appropriate physical therapy for treatment.

Question 7

ct scan shows disc bulges at t12-l1, l3-l4, l4-l5, l5-s1,  minimal facet arthropathy at t12 to l4 mild l4-15, severe l5-s1with left foraminal stenosis, retrolisthesis l4-l5, anterolisthesis l5-s1, mild right convex curvature, how bad is this?

Accepted Answer

CT &amp; spinal problems: This could be normal if you are not having pain.  But suspect you had this done because of pain and you must discuss with your Dr.  I do not know you.  Your team does.

Question 8

65 yr fem, herniated disc of lumbar mri show mild disc bulge from l1-l2 to l4-l5, slight degen. grade 1 retrolisthesis. had 1 month therapy. osteoporosis. i have severe back and left side pain. what next? acupuncture? pain mngmt? shot in back?

Accepted Answer

Pain: First question - were any of these MRI findings believed to be the cause of the back and left side pain?  Has an orthopedic surgeon been consulted?  If not, recommend that.  Depending on his/her findings - there may be a number of treatment options.  Acupuncture won't fix the actual intervertebral disc problems but it can often reduce inflammation in the surrounding area &amp; improve range of motion,

Question 9

23m-rupture discs w/ 5mm retrolisthesis (l4/5&l5/s1) s/p discectomy surgeon doesn't want surgery, 2nd opinion recommended hybrid lumbar fusion. what should i do? daily pain 6+/10 back & both legs 2yrs

Accepted Answer

Bed rest: You should try bed rest for an extended period of time, up to 2 weeks. If symptoms improve, you're good. Otherwise, you get to choose what to do.

Question 10

is "grade 1 spondylethesis l5-s1" and "5mm retrolethesis l4/l5" with "? old avulsion vs. compression fx at l2" a normal finding for a 27yo with hx/fx?

Accepted Answer

No: 5 mm is significant. Consider use of a back brace if surgery is not an option at this point

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Doctor answers about:

Retrolisthesis of l4 on l5

A member asked:

Transitional lumbosacral anatomy. the inferiormost, well- formed disc space is labeled l5-s1. mild retrolisthesis of l5 on s1. minimal retrolisthesis of l4 on l5. the lumbar vertebrae are normal in height. would this cause me pain? what does it mean?

A member asked:

What is chronic grade retrolisthesis of the l4 on l5?

A member asked:

I have herinated buldging of my l4-l5.and also have degenerative disc dieases.well now im told i also have stable retrolisthesis ofl4and5.

A member asked:

Why would 5mm retrolisthesis at l4/l5 be seen on 1 lumbar xray and not another months later, or another 2 years later? does retrolistesis heal?

A member asked:

23m 5mm paracentral bulge @ l4-5 & l5-s1, 4mm retrolisthesis at both levels as well. s/p l5-s1 discectomy/hemilaminotomy & 3 epidurals. still have daily pain at least 4/10 & getting worse. what next?

A member asked:

An x-ray (not ct or mri) indicates that i have a l4/l5 0.3 cm degenerative grade 1 retrolisthesis. i am approx 70 yrs. what is the usual treatment for this, if there is one? also, is it unlikely that a vertebra could somehow slip back into place?

A member asked:

Ct scan shows disc bulges at t12-l1, l3-l4, l4-l5, l5-s1, minimal facet arthropathy at t12 to l4 mild l4-15, severe l5-s1with left foraminal stenosis, retrolisthesis l4-l5, anterolisthesis l5-s1, mild right convex curvature, how bad is this?

A member asked:

65 yr fem, herniated disc of lumbar mri show mild disc bulge from l1-l2 to l4-l5, slight degen. grade 1 retrolisthesis. had 1 month therapy. osteoporosis. i have severe back and left side pain. what next? acupuncture? pain mngmt? shot in back?

A member asked:

23m-rupture discs w/ 5mm retrolisthesis (l4/5&l5/s1) s/p discectomy surgeon doesn't want surgery, 2nd opinion recommended hybrid lumbar fusion. what should i do? daily pain 6+/10 back & both legs 2yrs

A member asked:

Is "grade 1 spondylethesis l5-s1" and "5mm retrolethesis l4/l5" with "? old avulsion vs. compression fx at l2" a normal finding for a 27yo with hx/fx?

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