Frequently asked questions
How do you fix spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis can be treated without surgery by using anti-inflammatory painkillers, physiotherapy and with rest. In some cases, you may need steroid injections. However, if these treatments are not effective, back surgery may be recommended.
Is spondylolisthesis serious?
Spondylolisthesis can be mild, moderate or severe. Severe cases of spondylolisthesis can be serious as they may lead to cauda equina syndrome, which is a medical emergency — if this condition is not treated it can cause urinary incontinence and paralysis. Even moderate cases, over time, if left untreated, can cause nerve damage if a nerve is compressed. You should therefore see your GP if you are concerned that you have spondylolisthesis as there are effective treatments.
What is the difference between spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?
Both conditions can cause lower back pain. However, the underlying cause is different. Spondylolisthesis is caused by a bone in your spine (vertebra) slipping out of place, whereas spondylolysis is caused by a defect in your vertebra, which is usually caused by a stress fracture.
Is walking bad for spondylolisthesis?
Walking is not bad for spondylolisthesis as long as it doesn’t worsen your pain. Walking and other exercises that do not bend or strain your back can help strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, which can reduce your pain and improve your range of motion.
Can chiropractic help spondylolisthesis?
A chiropractor can’t fix your spondylolisthesis — they can’t push the slipped vertebra back into place. However, they can improve your range of movement and reduce your pain by focusing on the rest of your spine.
What should you not do with spondylolisthesis?
You should not take part in activities that strain or stretch your back, such as athletics, bending, lifting and football.
Can you become paralyzed from spondylolisthesis?
If a nerve is compressed, over time, spondylolisthesis can cause nerve damage, which may lead to paralysis. In some cases, spondylolisthesis can cause cauda equina syndrome — another spinal condition that is a medical emergency because if it is left untreated there is a high risk of paralysis.
Can you live with spondylolisthesis without surgery?
Yes, in many cases, spondylolisthesis can be effectively treated with non-surgical interventions, such as physiotherapy, resting your back, taking painkillers and/or steroid injections.
How should I sleep with spondylolisthesis?
Sleeping on your back in a reclining position can help reduce the pressure on your spine caused by the slipped vertebra ie sleeping propped up on several pillows.
When should you have surgery for spondylolisthesis?
If you have tried non-surgical treatments for spondylolisthesis (rest, physiotherapy, painkillers and steroid injections) and they have not worked, then surgery may be recommended. Your doctor may also recommend surgery if a nerve is compressed or your symptoms are persistent and severe.
Can you live a normal life after spinal fusion?
After a period of recovery, you can return to your normal activities. However, you will have reduced flexibility in the area of your spine where the vertebrae were fused.
Can spondylolisthesis cause bowel problems?
If spondylolisthesis is causing severe compression of a nerve, this can cause bowel incontinence.
Does spondylolisthesis get worse over time?
This depends on the severity and type of spondylolisthesis you have. Over time, symptoms of mild spondylolisthesis may go away on their own. However, in other cases, symptoms can get worse eg if a nerve is compressed or if you have degenerative spondylolisthesis.
