Spondylolisthesis - Hands On Physical Therapy

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra, one of the small bones that make up your spine, slips out of place. This most commonly occurs in the low back, but can happen anywhere along the spine. If the vertebra begins to lean on a nerve, this can result in pain/numbness down the arms or legs.

This condition can happen for numerous reasons such as muscle imbalances pulling the vertebra out of place, or trauma to the body. Genetics and participation in certain sports like gymnastics or football can put you at a higher risk.

This condition can be treated with physical therapy, specifically myofascial release. By assessing the area of injury, we will begin to treat the surrounding tissue to help decrease pain.

For example, if a patient comes in with a forward slipped disc in the lower back area and is having pain/numbness down the legs, we will look at the psoas. The psoas is a very important muscle in the front of the hips that when tight can cause a lot of issues. This muscle may be what is pulling that vertebra out of place, causing it to hit a nerve. By relaxing this muscle and other tissues surrounding it, we will hopefully help the vertebra come back into alignment, which should then decrease any pain/numbness down both legs.