Spondylolisthesis is when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. The result is often a deep low back pain, sometimes with leg symptoms, that worsens with activity.
The slip can come from age-related arthritis, a stress fracture, or a congenital pattern. It changes how the spine handles load and can put pressure on nearby nerves.
Most patients improve with a stepped plan of targeted injections, activity modification, and core-focused rehab. Surgery is reserved for progressive slips or severe nerve symptoms.
The pattern depends on how much slip is present and whether nerves are being affected.
We focus on calming pain and stabilizing the area with a combination of targeted injections and structured rehab.
A targeted epidural that calms inflammation around nerves being pinched by the slip. Often relieves leg symptoms and extends walking tolerance.
A diagnostic and therapeutic block for the facet joints that work harder because of the slip. Useful for back-pain-predominant patterns.
When medial branch blocks bring relief, RFA extends it to months. Reduces back pain and improves tolerance for daily activity.
For patients with chronic, severe pain that has not responded to other treatments. Gentle electrical pulses interrupt the pain signal.
Seek urgent care for new bladder or bowel changes, saddle numbness, or progressive leg weakness. These need same-day evaluation.
In adults, most slips are stable and do not progress significantly. Routine monitoring and a good strength-based rehab plan keep things steady for most patients.
Yes, and you probably should. Core and glute strengthening, along with posture work, often reduce pain and improve long-term outcomes. We coordinate with physical therapy to pick the right exercises.
Most patients do not. Surgery becomes a consideration for progressive slips, severe neurologic symptoms, or pain that has not responded to a full course of non-surgical care.