Spondylolisthesis and Spinal Alignment

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that occurs when one spinal vertebra slips over the one immediately underneath it. In a recent study, researchers reviewed lateral lumbar radiographs of 104 patients with low back pain and found that high pelvic incidence and increased lumbar lordosis were significant predictors for anterior slippage of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The findings suggest that maintaining proper spinal and pelvic alignment could reduce the risk for spondylolisthesis. Doctors of chiropractic often treat spondylolisthesis with spinal manipulation and exercise instruction. Journal of Orthopedic Science, October 2019