Treatment:

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.

Some health care providers also recommend a rigid back brace.

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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.

Complications:

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

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

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