Spondylolisthesis

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Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Most patients get better with strengthening and stretching exercises combined with activity modification, which involves avoiding hyperextension of the back and contact sports.

Nonsurgical treatments are tried first. This may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce back pain
• A stiff back brace
• Physicial therapy

You should take a break from activities until your symptoms go away. In most cases, you can resume activities slowly.

Surgery to fuse the slipped disc may be needed if you have severe pain that does not get better with treatment, a severe slip of the vertebra, or any neurological changes. Such surgery has a higher rate of nerve injury than most other spinal fusion surgeries. A brace or body cast may be used after surgery.

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Periodic x-rays can show whether the vertebra is changing position over time.

Conservative therapy for mild spondylolisthesis is successful in about 80% of cases.

When necessary, surgery leads to satisfactory results in 85 - 90% of people with severe, painful spondylolisthesis.

If too much slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves. Surgery may be necessary to correct the condition.

Other complications may include:

• Chronic back pain
• Infection
• Temporary or permanent damage of spinal nerve roots, which may cause sensation changes, weakness, or paralysis of the legs

Call your health care provider if:

• The back appears to curve excessively
• There is persistent back pain or stiffness
• There is persistent pain in the thighs and buttocks

Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).