Cervical anterolisthesis at C4 over C5 is a spinal condition in which the fourth cervical vertebra (C4) slips forward relative to the fifth cervical vertebra (C5). This forward displacement can narrow the spinal canal or neural foramina, leading to neck pain, arm weakness, or sensory changes. Anterolisthesis is one type of spondylolisthesis, with the reverse slippage termed retrolisthesis.Medical News TodayCedars-Sinai
Anatomy of the C4–C5 Motion Segment
Structure & Location
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1–C7). C4 is located in the middle of the neck, between C3 above and C5 below. Each vertebra has a drum-shaped body in front, paired facet joints at the back, and a central spinal canal for the spinal cord. Cedars-SinaiOrigin & Insertion (Articulations)
Superior articulation: The inferior facet joints of C3 lock into the superior facets of C4.
Inferior articulation: The superior facets of C5 articulate with the inferior facets of C4.
Disc: The intervertebral disc between C4 and C5 “inserts” into the endplates of each vertebral body, allowing shock absorption and flexibility. U of U Health Medicine
Blood Supply
The vertebral arteries ascend through the transverse foramina of C6 to C1, sending small branches (anterior and posterior radicular arteries) to nourish the vertebral bodies, facet joints, and spinal cord at each level. U of U Health MedicineNerve Supply
Sinuvertebral (recurrent meningeal) nerves supply the outer annulus fibrosus of the disc and the dorsal elements (ligaments, facet capsules).
Dorsal root ganglia at C5 contribute sensory fibers, while ventral roots carry motor fibers to the neck muscles. PubMed
Key Functions
Load bearing: Supports head weight.
Motion: Allows flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation.
Protection: Shields the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Shock absorption: Disc and facets distribute forces.
Muscle attachment: Offers surfaces for neck muscle origins and insertions.
Joint guidance: Facet orientation guides smooth neck movements. HealthgradesU of U Health Medicine
Types of Cervical Anterolisthesis (Grades)
Grade I (mild): 0–25% slippage
Grade II (moderate): 25–50%
Grade III (severe): 50–75%
Grade IV (very severe): 75–100%
By Severity (Meyerding Grades)
Grade I: <25% slippage
Grade II: 25–50%
Grade III: 50–75%
Grade IV: 75–100%
By Duration
Acute: sudden, often from trauma.
Chronic: develops slowly, often from degeneration.
By Cause
Degenerative: wear and tear.
Traumatic: fracture or ligament tear.
Pathologic: tumor, infection, or congenital.
Grades reflect the percentage of the vertebral body width that has slipped forward. Higher grades carry greater risk of neurological compromise. Healthgrades
Causes
Degenerative disc disease
Facet joint osteoarthritis
Traumatic fracture–dislocation
Congenital malformation of facets
High-impact sports or accidents
Whiplash injuries
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Spinal tumors eroding bone
Infections (e.g., osteomyelitis)
Osteoporosis weakening bone
Post-surgical instability
Spondylolysis (pars defect)
Connective tissue disorders (e.g., Ehlers–Danlos)
Metabolic bone disease
Long-term steroid use
Obesity increasing spinal load
Repetitive neck extension activities
Ligamentous laxity
Idiopathic (unknown)
Bulleted for clarity, based on degenerative, traumatic, congenital, inflammatory, and metabolic factors. HealthgradesPubMed
Symptoms
Neck pain and stiffness
Radiating arm pain (radiculopathy)
Numbness or tingling in arms/hands
Muscle weakness in upper limbs
Headaches at base of skull
Reduced neck motion
Grinding or popping during movement
Balance difficulties
Gait disturbances
Loss of fine motor skills
Muscle spasms
Shoulder pain
Dizziness (cervicogenic)
Sensory changes over shoulder blade
In severe cases, bowel/bladder dysfunction
Sleep disturbances due to pain
Fatigue from chronic discomfort
Muscle atrophy in advanced paresis
Torticollis (head tilt)
Difficulty concentrating due to chronic pain
Symptoms range from mild neck discomfort to serious neurological deficits. Medical News TodayVerywell Health
Diagnostic Tests
Plain X-rays (AP, lateral, flexion/extension views)
MRI of cervical spine
CT scan with bone windows
CT myelogram
EMG/Nerve conduction studies
Bone density (DEXA)
Blood tests (inflammatory markers, infection workup)
Dynamic fluoroscopy
Discography (rarely)
Ultrasound of paraspinal muscles
Spinal canal measurement via imaging
Vertebral artery Doppler ultrasound
Neurological exam (reflexes, strength, sensation)
Provocative maneuvers (Spurling’s test)
Gait analysis
Balance and coordination tests
Functional questionnaires (NDI, VAS)
CT-based finite element analysis (research)
Kinematic MRI (motion assessment)
Psychosocial evaluation
Combining imaging, electrophysiology, and clinical exams ensures accurate grading and treatment planning. PubMedHealthgrades
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
Physical therapy – core and neck strengthening
Cervical traction (mechanical/manual)
Postural education
Ergonomic assessments
Heat/cold therapy
Ultrasound therapy
Electrical stimulation (TENS)
Acupuncture
Chiropractic manipulation (selected cases)
Massage therapy
Yoga and Pilates
Cervical collars (soft/hard)
Activity modification
Weight management
Smoking cessation
Mindfulness meditation
Biofeedback training
Functional bracing
Hydrotherapy
Dry needling
Myofascial release
Kinesiology taping
Occupational therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Pilates ball exercises
Spinal decompression tables
Proprioceptive training
Gait training
Aquatic therapy
Education programs on spine health
Emphasis on active rehabilitation, posture correction, and lifestyle changes. HealthgradesShanti
Drugs
| Drug Category | Example Agent | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen | Pain, inflammation |
| COX-2 inhibitors | Celecoxib | Chronic pain |
| Muscle relaxants | Cyclobenzaprine | Spasm |
| Neuropathic agents | Gabapentin | Radicular pain |
| Oral corticosteroids | Prednisone | Acute inflammation |
| Opioids (short-term) | Tramadol | Severe pain |
| Antidepressants (TCAs/SNRIs) | Amitriptyline | Chronic neuropathic pain |
| Topical analgesics | Lidocaine patches | Localized pain |
| Epidural injections | Methylprednisolone | Radiculopathy |
| Vitamin supplements | Vitamin D, Calcium | Bone health |
| Bisphosphonates | Alendronate | Osteoporosis |
| Calcitonin | Salmon calcitonin | Bone pain |
| Denosumab | Denosumab | Osteoporosis |
| Anabolic agents | Teriparatide | Severe osteoporosis |
| Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) | Methotrexate | Inflammatory arthritis |
| Biologics | Etanercept | RA-related instability |
| Antibiotics (if infection) | IV vancomycin | Spinal osteomyelitis |
| Anticoagulants (post-op) | Enoxaparin | Thromboprophylaxis |
| Gastroprotective agents | Pantoprazole | NSAID-induced gastritis prevention |
| Anticonvulsants | Carbamazepine | Neuropathic pain |
Medication choice depends on pain severity, neurological involvement, and underlying cause. Medical News TodayVerywell Health
Surgical Options
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion
Posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion
Posterior cervical laminoplasty
Cervical disc replacement (arthroplasty)
Foraminotomy (posterior)
Posterior fixation with lateral mass screws
Minimally invasive tubular decompression
Combined anterior–posterior approaches
Vertebral body tethering (experimental)
Surgery is considered for progressive neurological deficits, intractable pain, or high-grade slippage. PubMedPubMed
Preventive Strategies
Maintain healthy posture
Regular neck and upper back exercises
Ergonomic workstation setup
Avoid repetitive overhead activities
Use proper lifting techniques
Wear protective gear in sports
Maintain healthy weight
Quit smoking
Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
Regular bone density screenings
Prevention focuses on spinal health, nutrition, and avoiding high-risk activities. HealthgradesU of U Health Medicine
When to See a Doctor
Persistent or worsening neck pain despite rest and home measures.
Radiating arm pain with numbness or weakness.
Loss of bladder or bowel control.
Gait instability or falls.
Sudden severe neck injury or high-impact trauma.
Early medical evaluation prevents progression and irreversible nerve damage. Verywell HealthPubMed
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes C4 over C5 anterolisthesis?
Degeneration, trauma, congenital defects, or systemic disease can weaken spinal structures and lead to forward slippage. HealthgradesHow is it diagnosed?
X-rays with flexion/extension views confirm slippage; MRI and CT assess neural compression. PubMedCan physical therapy help?
Yes—targeted exercises improve strength, posture, and pain. ShantiIs surgery always necessary?
No—mild cases often respond to conservative treatment. Surgery is reserved for neurological deficits or high-grade slips. PubMedWhat is the recovery time post-surgery?
Typically 3–6 months for fusion procedures; faster for minimally invasive techniques. PubMedAre there risks with cervical collars?
Prolonged use can weaken neck muscles; use under guidance. ShantiCan this condition lead to paralysis?
Severe slippage with untreated spinal cord compression can risk permanent deficits. PubMedIs anterolisthesis reversible?
Non-surgical treatments manage symptoms but do not reverse slippage; surgical fusion stabilizes alignment. HealthgradesHow common is C4–C5 involvement?
C4–C5 is the second most common cervical level for degenerative slippage, after C5–C6. U of U Health MedicineCan I exercise with this condition?
Low-impact activities (swimming, walking) are safe; avoid contact sports until cleared. ShantiWhat medications relieve symptoms?
NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and neuropathic agents are commonly used. Medical News TodayHow to prevent progression?
Postural correction, occupational adjustments, and weight control help slow degeneration. HealthgradesWhat is the role of injections?
Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation and radicular pain temporarily. Verywell HealthAre there alternative therapies?
Acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care may provide symptom relief in mild cases. ShantiWhen should I seek urgent care?
Sudden loss of limb function, severe unremitting pain, or bowel/bladder dysfunction warrant emergency evaluation. PubMed
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The article is written by Team Rxharun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members
Last Updated: May 06, 2025.


