What is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is the condition characterized by the slipping of one vertebra forward or backward over another vertebra below it. It is caused due to disc degeneration that leads to loss of disc height causing instability. Other causes of spondylolisthesis include stress fracture or congenital abnormalities and in rare cases a tumor or trauma.

Spondylolisthesis can be the result of the aging process, in which the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints of the spine become weaker and incapable of maintaining spinal column alignment.

Spondylolisthesis can cause nerve impingement and/or fatigue of the back musculature and may result in the lower back and lower leg pain.

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis may include:

• lower back and lower leg pain.
• sciatica aching pain in the hips, buttocks, and lower back that radiates into the back of the thigh and legs.
• abnormal posture.
• weakness in the lower extremities.
• a shuffling gait when walking.

Traditional treatment includes:

Rest and restriction of physical activity.

Medications to reduce pain and swelling.

Cortisone injection.

Also, Typical medications include- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Etc.

Physiotherapy Treatment of Spondylolisthesis:

Physiotherapy intervention works best as it includes targeting the muscle of the lumbar spine as well as stretching exercises of the hamstring and hip flexors.

Stretching of muscles such as the Hamstring and Psoas/rectus femoris reduces pain and stiffness.

Strengthening exercises such as Stagger side plank, Frog Bridge, Dead bug, Abdominal rollout, single-leg deadlift, etc. these exercises strengthen the lumbar spine and hip muscles in a relatively neutral position, which will work on your muscles without exaggerating your issue.

Several manual therapy techniques are done by our experienced sports physiotherapists such as- Spinal manipulation & mobilization, Dry needling, Cupping therapy, Soft tissue mobilization, Fascia release technique, etc.

McKenzie exercise.

Balance training includes – Sensory-motor training on unstable devices, walking in all variations, and coordinative skills.

Gait training.

Hydrotherapy.

Chiropractic & Osteopathic treatment.

Mechanical treatment with the latest technology machines such as High-intensity class 4 laser, Microwave diathermy, Super inductive system, & Combo therapy, etc.

Also, Lumbar mechanical or manual traction.

Home exercise program- pelvic tilt exercise in the supine position, knee lift (marching) in the supine position, quadruped arm and leg raise, use of lumbosacral brace or corset, Improve posture and object lifting technique.