There are several types of spondylolisthesis. Some people are born with this condition. This is called congenital spondylolisthesis. It can also occur with trauma (including spine surgery). But most often (and especially in adults over age 50), it is linked with the aging process. This type of spondylolisthesis is referred to as degenerative spondylolisthesis.

As we get older, the protective discs in between the vertebrae starts to thin out and break down. The disc space narrows and the vertebrae settle closer together. This puts pressure on the facet (spinal) joints and changes the way the segment moves. The result is bone spur formation and overgrowth of the facet joint capsule.

These changes can help stabilize the joint from slipping and sliding in ways they shouldn't. But the increased pressure and pull on the soft tissues and spinal nerves can also cause back, buttock, and leg pain.

Women are affected much more often than men by this condition. Scientists think this may be caused by the hormone estrogen. Estrogen can cause laxity (looseness) of the joints and soft tissues. This factor, combined with changes associated with aging, could lead to a higher incidence among women compared to men.