How to Stop Spondylolisthesis Pain

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a bone (vertebra) in the spine slips forward and lands on top of a bone below it. The misplaced bone can press on the bone below it and on nearby nerves, resulting in pain in the back, thighs and buttocks and muscle stiffness. The most common cause is age-related problems such as arthritis, but can also result from athletic or other types of injuries. The severity of the condition varies among people and can range from no symptoms at all to severe pain. Several treatment options are available to treat the pain and promote healing and include medications, therapy and self-care measures. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Pain medications
• Back brace

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Instructions

• 1

  Work with a physical therapist. He can show you exercises that strengthen and stretch the affected areas. This can improve range of motion and ease the pain. Physical therapy almost always involves a home treatment component; it is important to follow your therapist's instructions regarding home treatment so you can gain maximum benefit from your physical therapy.

• 2

  Consider wearing a rigid back brace; this can restrict movement, which eases pain. Your doctor can tell you how to obtain the brace and give you any other pertinent information regarding its use, such as when and how to use it.

• 3

  Avoid aggravating your back and legs. Modify activity when you are experiencing pain and avoid lifting and bending excessively. Your doctor can offer guidance about what activities are appropriate and inappropriate and offer timeframes for easing back into your normal routine.

• 4

  Take medications to ease the pain. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen to fight both pain and inflammation. If your pain is more severe, your doctor might give you a steroid injections or prescription medications that treat pain. Take all medications as directed and tell your doctor if you experience any side effects.

• 5

  Talk to your doctor about surgical options if conservative treatments are not working. He can determine how much time is appropriate to allow them to work. The type of procedure will depend on your specific symptoms. Surgery aims to fix the vertebra and relieve nerve compression if it is present.