What is the medical term for the condition where the vertebrae are not aligned properly?

The condition where the vertebrae are not aligned properly is best described as spondylolisthesis. This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, leading to misalignment in the spine. This misalignment can cause pain and other complications due to nerve compression and instability of the affected spinal segment.

In contrast, scoliosis refers to an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, rather than a forward or backward misalignment of individual vertebrae. Kyphosis involves an excessive outward curvature of the spine, resulting in a hunching posture, while lordosis denotes an exaggerated inward curvature, typically in the lumbar region. Each of these conditions reflects different types of spinal deformities rather than a direct misalignment of adjacent vertebrae as seen in spondylolisthesis.