A retrolisthesis is a backwards displacement of the vertebra above on the vertebra below. Normally, this occurs due to some degeneration of the disc between which then loses height. Since the facets act as “backwards ramps”, the vertebra above will slide back on the one below. A retrolisthesis can also occur if you have a large thoracic curve called a hyperkyphosis (see Scheuermann’s disorder) and the lumbar spine compensates but this event is much less common.
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.
