Non-surgical Treatments for Spondylolisthesis

Most patients will not need any surgical treatment as long as their spondylolisthesis is stable, meaning the vertebra is not slipping forward any more. Your spine specialist most likely will want to monitor your spondylolisthesis at regular intervals.

Nonsurgical treatments include:

• Two to three days of bed rest
• Physical therapy
• Low-impact exercise—swimming or water walking
• Low back activity restrictions—no strenuous sports (weight lifting, gymnastics, or football), heavy lifting, excessive bending, twisting, or stooping
• Medications to control inflammation, muscle spasm, and/or pain
• A brace to help reduce muscle spasm and pain