Low Back & Pelvis

Spondylolisthesis

Also called: Vertebral slippage

Forward slippage of one vertebra on another — from a pars defect (younger patients) or degenerative joint changes (typically 50+, most often L4-5). Graded by percentage slipped. Low grades are common, often stable, and respond well to strengthening-centered care.

Common signs

Low back ache, worse with standing and extension
A 'step' sometimes felt in the spine
Tight hamstrings
With degenerative slips: stenosis-type leg symptoms when walking
Relief with sitting or bending forward

Seek help now if

Bladder/bowel changes or saddle numbness — emergency
Progressive neurological deficits
Rapidly worsening slip in an adolescent

If any of these is sudden or severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For the others, get examined before you start self-care.

What to do first

Standing X-rays diagnose and grade the slip; flexion-extension views assess stability
Most Grade 1–2 slips: conservative care is first-line and usually sufficient
Begin an anti-extension core and hip program — stability is trained, not just hoped for

The longer road

Long-term success = core endurance + hip mobility/strength + activity modification for extension-heavy loading
Adolescents are monitored through growth; adults monitored if symptoms change
Surgical consult for high-grade, unstable, or neurologically progressive slips

Natural healing options we use

Chiropractic care adapted to the slip (avoiding aggressive extension at the level)
Flexion-biased mobility and stabilization exercise
Manual therapy for compensating musculature
PEMF and attended e-stim for symptomatic periods

About imaging

Standing lateral X-rays (grading), flexion-extension views (stability); MRI when nerve symptoms present.

Daily self-care

Daily core-endurance routine
Hamstring mobility work
Modify extension-loaded activities; hinge, don't arch

Book a visit Call 469-620-6245 All conditions

How we can help

More in Low Back & Pelvis

Lumbar Sprain/Strain Lumbar Disc Herniation Sciatica / Lumbar Radiculopathy Lumbar Facet Syndrome Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Spondylolysis Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain Coccydynia Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle & Low Back Pain Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Please read: this page is education, not a diagnosis. A proper examination is how a condition gets confirmed and a plan gets built. See our medical disclaimer.