[Shipra S]

#31498

Hello, Iam 28 year old married female. I have been recently diagnosed with antherolisthesis. The MRI report says:
Grade I anterolisthesis of L5 over S1 vertebrae with facetal joint arthropathy.
Pseudo-posterior bulge with central and left paracentral annular tear and
protrusion of L5-S1 disc indenting thecal sac impinging on bilateral traversing S1 nerve roots compromising neural foramina and spinal canal.
AP spinal canal dimension at the Pedicular levels are as follows:
L1 level : 1. 81 cms
L2 level : 1. 89 cms
L3 level : 1. 69 cms
L4 level : 1. 76 cms
L5 level : 1. 23 cms
I have sciatica kind of pain and there is also numbness near buttocks and back of thighs. Doctor gave meds and physiotherapy.
What are your suggestions regarding the same. Iam planning for pregnancy. Is it safe?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#32021

You are a little young for this but you most likely have a dysplastic or degenerative spondylolisthesis at L5-S1. See https://neckandback.com/conditions/degenerative-spondylolisthesis-or-spondlylolysthesis/

This is generally not a dangerous condition but with continued compression of the nerve roots, this could possibly lead to some root injury. The next step is an epidural steroid injection (ESI) to try and calm down the nerve roots.

Pregnancy can exacerbate this condition as the added weight, change in spine biomechanics and secretion of the hormone relaxin which allows the ligaments to stretch somewhat can increase stress on this level. You can more likely than not carry the baby to term but might need some treatment along the way.

Dr. Corenman

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