How to Treat Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a medical condition that occurs when one or more vertebrae in the body is slipped or displaced. Trauma and bone degeneration are two of the main causes of spondylolisthesis. After getting a diagnosis of spondylolisthesis from your doctor, you can talk about treatment options.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss possible treatment options with your doctor. Your doctor may want to be conservative with treatment at first to see the extent of your condition.

• 2

  Use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce the pain caused by spondylolisthesis. Ibuprofen products are usually recommended to patients with spondylolisthesis. Your doctor will let you know dosage information.

• 3

  Get regular x-rays done. To see if slippage is continuing, the doctor may want you to get radiology studies done often.

• 4

  See a physical therapist. Physical therapy may be recommended by your doctor to help you strengthen and improve the muscles in your back. Back strength decreases the amount of pain that you experience.

• 5

  Inquire about surgery to correct spondylolisthesis. If you are not responding to any therapies, then you may need to have surgery. You can have a spinal fusion performed to repair the vertebrae.