Definition & Overview
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that affects the lower vertebrae (spinal bones). This disease causes one of the lower vertebrae to slip forward onto the bone directly beneath it.
It’s a painful condition but treatable in most cases. Both therapeutic and surgical methods may be used. Proper exercise techniques can help you avoid this condition.
[Image showing vertebral slip]
Symptoms & Characteristics
You may not experience any symptoms. Some people have the condition and don’t even know it. If you do have symptoms, they typically include:
- Lower back pain (often the main symptom)
- Muscle tightness and stiffness (hamstrings)
- Pain in the buttocks
- Pain that gets worse with activity
- Trouble standing or walking
Causes
Young Athletes: Overextending the spine (hyperextension) is one of the main causes in young athletes (e.g., gymnastics, football).
Genetics: Some people are born with thinner vertebral bone (pars interarticularis).
Aging: In older adults, wear and tear on the spine and disks can lead to degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Treatment Options
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Rest: Take a break from strenuous activities and sports.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen abdomen and back.
- Bracing: A brace can help stabilize the spine and limit movement to allow healing (mostly in children/adolescents).
Surgical Treatment
Correction is required when the bone has slipped too far (high grade), causes severe nerve compression, or fails to respond to nonsurgical therapy.
Exercise Program
- Lie on your back.
- Bring one knee toward your chest.
- Gently pull leg until you feel a comfortable stretch.
- Hold for 10 seconds, then release.
- Repeat with the other leg.
- Repeat 3 to 5 times per leg.
- Lie on back, knees bent, feet flat (hook lying position).
- Contract abs and rotate knees to one side.
- Hold for 3-5 seconds.
- Rotate to the other side.
- Repeat 10 times on both sides.
- Lie on your back with feet flat on the floor.
- Exhale and contract abs, pushing belly button toward floor to flatten back.
- Hold position for 5 seconds.
- Repeat 10 times.
