The answer is that spondylolisthesis of L5-S1 will not cause neck pain by itself but may magnify preexisting problems in the neck. If you need to alter your gait to compensate for the spondylolisthesis and have a degenerative neck, this may magnify neck problems.
I worry about your “weakness” from the spondylolisthesis. This condition can produce bone spurs that can compress the nerves adjacent to the pars fractures (see isthmic spondylolisthesis on website). If there is weakness present from nerve compression and not pain inhibition- surgery needs to be considered as nerve do not recover easily from compression.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
