Spondylolisthesis

# Spondylolisthesis: understanding and stabilizing spinal slippage

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips forward over the one below it. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, rest assured: it is common and usually responds well to treatment. This slippage typically affects the L5-S1 or L4-L5 levels, where your back works the hardest. Approximately 5-7% of people have the isthmic type, and 2.7% of men versus 8.4% of women have the degenerative type.¹ Three out of four cases are Grade I or II, and conservative treatment is successful in 80-98% of cases.² At Physioactif, our physiotherapists specializing in spinal rehabilitation use stabilization programs that target the mechanical problem to help you regain normal function.

What is lumbar spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis refers to the forward slippage of one vertebra over the one below it. This displacement can compress your nerves, alter the functioning of your spine, and cause pain in your back and legs.

The L5-S1 level is the most common site for isthmic spondylolisthesis because the junction between your lumbar vertebrae and your sacrum receives the highest shear forces^. For degenerative forms, it is more commonly L4-L5 because the orientation of the facet joints at this level offers less resistance to shear forces^.

The Meyerding classification is used to assess the severity of slippage. This system measures the percentage of displacement of the vertebral body and remains highly reliable.⁴

Flexion-extension X-rays are also used to check whether your segment is stable. Dynamic instability is when the slippage changes with your position.⁵ This assessment influences your treatment plan: stable, low-grade slippage responds very well to active exercises.

What causes vertebral slippage?

There are six major types: isthmic, degenerative, dysplastic, traumatic, pathological, and post-surgical. The isthmic and degenerative forms are the most common in clinical practice.

Isthmic spondylolisthesis begins with a defect in the pars interarticularis, the bony bridge that connects the top and bottom of your vertebra.⁶ This defect is caused by repetitive stress fractures resulting from hyperextension. This form is common in athletes who repeatedly extend and rotate their spine: gymnasts, football linemen, wrestlers, divers, and cricket bowlers.⁷

Degenerative spondylolisthesis results from arthritic changes in your facet joints and disc degeneration, creating instability without pars fracture^{. This} form shows a strong female predominance and occurs after age 50^. This type shares mechanisms withlumbar osteoarthritis, where progressive joint wear compromises stability.

What are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis?

Symptoms include mechanical pain in the lower back that worsens with extension, hamstring stiffness, postural changes with increased lordosis, and sometimes nerve symptoms in the legs.

Lower back pain worsens with extension and improves when you bend forward^. Activities that require hyperextension of the spine increase shear forces: raising your arms above your head, walking downhill, or standing for long periods of time. This pattern of mechanical pain differs from inflammatory conditions, which worsen with rest. If you live with low back pain, understanding the specific nature of your pain guides treatment.

Hamstring tightness is a characteristic finding, particularly in adolescent patients with isthmic types.⁹ You may show a shortened stride length that creates a "waddling" gait because tight hamstrings limit hip flexion. This tightness represents a protective muscle spasm: your muscles are trying to reduce shear forces.

Nervous symptoms develop when the slippage compresses neural structures.¹⁰ Neurogenic claudication is pain in the legs that begins with walking and improves when sitting. This compression can occur when spondylolisthesis coexists with spinal stenosis. Lumbar radiculopathy may also occur, resembling classic sciatica.

Many people with spondylolisthesis on imaging remain completely asymptomatic. Up to 18% of adults who undergo lumbar MRI scans have incidental spondylolisthesis, and this rate rises to 23% in asymptomatic individuals over the age of 60.¹¹ If you undergo an MRI scan and a slip is discovered, don't be discouraged: it is not automatically the cause of your pain.

How is spondylolisthesis diagnosed?

Diagnosis combines clinical evaluation with imaging. Standing lateral X-rays show vertebral displacement and measure the percentage of slippage. MRI provides a detailed assessment of nerve compression and disc condition.

Which imagery best shows the landslide?

Standing lateral radiographs are the primary method.¹² The oblique view shows the classic "Scotty dog" sign with a collar around the neck when a pars fracture is present. Flexion-extension views reveal dynamic instability: more than 3-4 mm of translation or 10-15 degrees of angular movement between positions indicates problems with the stabilizing structures.⁵

MRI assesses the severity of nerve compression, the state of disc degeneration, and soft tissue problems.¹² The results correlate with nerve symptoms and help differentiate mechanical back pain from nerve pain.

How does rank influence treatment?

Grade I-II slips are managed with physical therapy and activity modification, with a favorable response in 80-90% of cases.² Grade III-IV slips often require surgical evaluation due to increased instability and nerve risk.

Stability is as important as grade. A stable Grade II slip with minimal dynamic movement responds well to conservative care. On the other hand, an unstable Grade I slip showing excessive movement may require more aggressive management.¹²

How does physical therapy treat spondylolisthesis?

Physical therapy uses stabilization exercises targeting the deep abdominal muscles and lumbar multifidus, flexibility training for the hip flexors and hamstrings, posture education focused on neutral spine alignment, and progressive functional strengthening. Success rates reach 80-98% for grades I-II.²

Stabilization of the trunk forms the foundation of treatment. The transverse abdominis and lumbar multifidus muscles provide segmental control of the unstable vertebra through low-intensity, high-endurance contractions^. These muscles increase intra-abdominal pressure and improve posterior ligament tension. In patients with spondylolisthesis, these muscles show delayed or insufficient activation, which physical therapy retrains.

The abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) technique targets the activation of the transverse abdominis muscle.¹³ You draw in your lower abdominal wall without moving your spine or rib cage. This submaximal contraction (approximately 30-40% of maximum effort) is held for 10 seconds and repeated for several sets throughout the day.

Flexibility training addresses characteristic stiffness.⁹ Sustained hamstring stretching, held for 30 seconds and repeated 3-4 times a day, gradually improves flexibility and normalizes movement patterns. Stretching the hip flexors reduces anterior pelvic tilt and excessive lordosis.

Postural training emphasizes the neutral spine, the natural lordotic curve that optimizes load distribution.¹³ Treatment progresses over 3-6 months, beginning with isolated activation of stabilizers and advancing toward functional integration during everyday movements.

What exercises stabilize spondylolisthesis?

Key exercises include the abdominal retraction maneuver, dead bug and bird dog exercises, plank and bridge variations, and progression to functional movements. These exercises develop a muscular "corset" that improves segmental stability.

Abdominal strengthening targets the deep stabilizers in a neutral spine position.¹³ Dead bug exercises require alternating arm and leg movements while maintaining a stable pelvis and lumbar spine. Bird dog exercises on all fours create rotational and extension moments that the stabilizers must counteract. These exercises can also help with other conditions such aslumbar sprain.

Glute activation exercises strengthen the hip extensors to extend the trunk through hip movement rather than lumbar hyperextension.¹⁴ Plank variations develop core endurance with isometric holds of 20-60 seconds.

Progression must be supervised to ensure appropriate advancement.¹³ Premature progression risks worsening symptoms, while insufficient challenge does not stimulate the necessary adaptations.

Can you play sports with spondylolisthesis?

Yes, many athletes are able to compete with spondylolisthesis by stabilizing their core and modifying their technique. Conservative treatment achieves return-to-sport rates of 80-98% in adolescent athletes, with an average time frame of 4.6-5.5 months.

Participation decisions depend on the type, grade, stability, and severity of symptoms, not on absolute restrictions based solely on imaging.⁷ Stable low-grade slips in asymptomatic athletes allow for full participation after rehabilitation.

• Range of motion without pain
• Resolution of nervous symptoms
• Adequate core strength and endurance
• Maintaining a neutral spine during sport-specific movements
• Stability on imaging (no progression)

When is surgery necessary?

More than 80% of cases of low-grade spondylolisthesis resolve without surgery. Surgery is considered for symptomatic high-grade slippage, progressive slippage despite conservative treatment, persistent nerve deficits, or failure of 6 months of comprehensive conservative management^.

Spinal fusion procedures involve bone grafting to create a solid union between the slipped vertebra and the adjacent level, with instrumentation (pedicle screws and rods).¹⁵ Results show a success rate of over 80% in appropriate patients. However, fusion eliminates movement at the operated level and may accelerate degeneration in adjacent segments: adjacent segment disease develops in 20-30% of fused patients over 10 years.

Post-surgical rehabilitation lasts 6-12 months. Extensive rehabilitation requirements and permanent loss of movement underscore the importance of exhausting conservative options before surgery for low-grade spondylolisthesis.

How does spondylolisthesis progress over time?

Most adult spondylolisthesis cases remain stable with appropriate management. The risk of progression increases in children and adolescents during growth spurts. Grades I-II show long-term stability with stabilization programs.¹¹

Adult isthmic spondylolisthesis stabilizes after skeletal maturity, with 70-80% of grade I-II patients remaining stable or improving with conservative management.¹¹ Degenerative spondylolisthesis shows variable progression but remains manageable with activity modification and periodic physical therapy.

Pediatric patients face the highest risk of progression during growth spurts.¹¹ The recommended follow-up for asymptomatic adults with stable grade I-II slippage is clinical without routine imaging. For young patients, X-rays every 6-12 months until skeletal maturity detect progression.

What daily changes help?

Daily modifications include avoiding repetitive hyperextension activities, using proper lifting mechanics with a neutral spine, choosing low-impact exercises, and implementing ergonomic adjustments.

Overhead lifting activities that require prolonged extension concentrate stress on the unstable segment.¹⁴ Use step stools to reduce the lifting height and alternate extension activities with flexion stretches.

Proper lifting mechanics protect your spine: the hip hinge pattern keeps the lumbar spine neutral while bending at the hips and knees.¹⁴ Position loads close to the body and avoid twisting during lifts.

When sleeping, lying on your side with a pillow between your knees maintains neutral alignment^.14 Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees slightly flexes the hips. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this accentuates lumbar extension.

Ready to stabilize your spondylolisthesis?

Our physiotherapists at Physioactif develop individualized stabilization programs that combine comprehensive assessment, targeted exercises, and progressive functional training. Whether you need treatment for acute lower back pain or a comprehensive rehabilitation program, we target your degree of slippage, your symptoms, and your goals.

Our active stabilization strategies work in 80-98% of cases of low-grade spondylolisthesis. Whether you are an athlete, a worker, or simply looking to maintain an active lifestyle, we develop progressions tailored to your functional priorities.

References

1. Gagnet P, et al. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis: prevalence and association with low back pain. PMID: 24072198.

2. Kim B, Yim J. Core stabilization exercises in lumbar instability. J Exerc Rehabil. 2020;16(4):346-354.

3. Kalichman L, Hunter DJ. Diagnosis and conservative management of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Eur Spine J. 2008;17(3):327-335.

4. Baliga S, et al. The Meyerding Classification System of Spondylolisthesis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2020;478(5):1125-1130.

5. Jacobson RE. Radiographic assessment and imaging studies. In: Spondylolisthesis evaluation and treatment. Elsevier; 2019.

6. Tenny S, Gillis CC. Spondylolisthesis. StatPearls. 2024.

7. Sundell CG, et al. Return to play after treatment in athletes with spondylolysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2019;22(5):579-584.

8. Kalichman L, et al. CT-evaluated features of spinal degeneration. Spine J. 2010;10(3):200-208.

9. Standaert CJ. Spondylolysis in adolescent athletes. Clin J Sport Med. 2002;12(2):119-122.

10. Vibert BT, et al. Treatment of instability and spondylolisthesis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2006;443:222-227.

11. Brinjikji W, et al. Imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(4):811-816.

12. Tenny S, Gillis CC. Spondylolisthesis. StatPearls. 2024.

13. Kim B, Yim J. Core stabilization exercises in lumbar instability. J Exerc Rehabil. 2020;16(4):346-354.

14. Gagnet P, et al. Return to sports activity by athletes after treatment of spondylolysis. World J Orthop. 2010;1(1):26-30.

15. Försth P, et al. Fusion surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. N Engl Med. 2016;374(15):1413-1423.