Spondylolisthesis

Mild to moderate spondylolisthesis may cause little or no pain, particularly in young people.

When pain occurs in adolescents, it is felt on only one side of the spine and may travel down a leg. The pain may accompany a fracture.

When pain occurs in adults, it is felt over a specific part of the spine and travels down both legs. In these cases, the pain results from a degenerative condition.

Pain is worsened by standing or leaning back. It can be accompanied by numbness, weakness, or both in the legs.

Doctors base the diagnosis of spondylolisthesis on imaging tests, usually x-rays X-rays A doctor can often diagnose a musculoskeletal disorder based on the history and the results of a physical examination. Laboratory tests, imaging tests, or other diagnostic procedures are sometimes... read more taken of the lower spine.

Other imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a strong magnetic field and very high frequency radio waves are used to produce highly detailed images. MRI does not use x-rays and is usually very safe... read more (MRI) or sometimes computed tomography Computed Tomography (CT) In computed tomography (CT), which used to be called computed axial tomography (CAT), an x-ray source and x-ray detector rotate around a person. In modern scanners, the x-ray detector usually... read more (CT), may be done.

One to two days of bed rest may provide pain relief for people with spondylolisthesis. Longer bed rest weakens the core muscles Low Back Pain and increases stiffness, thus worsening back pain and prolonging recovery. Sleeping in a comfortable position on a medium mattress is recommended. People who sleep on their back can place a pillow under their knees. People who sleep on their side should use a pillow to support their head in a neutral position (not tilted down toward the bed or up toward the ceiling). They should place another pillow between their knees with their hips and knees bent slightly if that relieves their back pain. People can continue to sleep on their stomach if they are comfortable doing so.

Applying cold Cold therapy (cryotherapy) Professional rehabilitation therapists treat pain and inflammation. Such treatment makes movement easier and enables people to participate more fully in rehabilitation. Techniques used include... read more (such as ice packs) or heat Heat therapy Professional rehabilitation therapists treat pain and inflammation. Such treatment makes movement easier and enables people to participate more fully in rehabilitation. Techniques used include... read more (such as a heating pad) or using over-the-counter analgesics (such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) may help relieve the pain. Some people may be helped by drugs that reduce nerve pain, such as gabapentin, antiseizure drugs, or certain antidepressants. If pain is severe or persists, doctors may give corticosteroids taken by mouth or injected into the epidural space (between the spine and the outer layer of tissue covering the spinal cord).

Physical therapy Physical Therapy (PT) Physical therapy, a component of rehabilitation, involves exercising and manipulating the body with an emphasis on the back, upper arms, and legs. It can improve joint and muscle function, helping... read more and exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the abdomen, buttocks, and back (the core muscles) may help. (See also Low Back Pain: Prevention Prevention Low back pain and neck pain are among the most common reasons for health care visits. The pain usually results from problems with the musculoskeletal system—most notably the spine, including... read more .)