Spondylolisthesis
Key facts
- Spondylolisthesis is when one of the vertebrae in your spine slips forward.
- Spondylolisthesis is usually seen in the lower back and can affect children, teenagers and adults.
- Symptoms include back pain that can spread to your bottom and backs of your thighs.
- The diagnosis of spondylolisthesis can be made with x-rays and scans.
- Treatment may involve physiotherapy, medicines and sometimes surgery.
What is spondylolisthesis?
Your spine (backbone) is made up of bones called vertebrae. Spondylolisthesis is when one of these vertebrae slips forward. It can lead to back pain, and is most common in the lower back.
Children, teenagers and adults can all get spondylolisthesis.
What are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis symptoms can include:
- pain or stiffness in your lower back — the pain may spread to your bottom or back of your thighs
- tight hamstring muscles (the muscles in the back of your thighs)
- pain, numbness, or tingling spreading from your lower back down one or both legs
The pain and other symptoms in your legs are due to pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal canal near the spondylolisthesis.
Your symptoms may be worse with activity and get better with rest. Your back pain may be worse when standing or walking and feel better when sitting.
Spondylolisthesis doesn't cause any symptoms in some people.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes spondylolisthesis?
In adults, spondylolisthesis can be caused by degenerative changes in your spine that happen with age.
In children and teenagers, spondylolisthesis is usually caused by a weakness or stress fracture in the lower back. This may happen in teenagers who participate in sports that involve repeated stress on their lower back.
Stress fractures can also cause spondylolisthesis in adults.
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if you have back pain that is not getting better.
Also see your doctor if you have:
- pain in your bottom or thighs
- pain numbness or tingling down one or both legs
See your doctor urgently if you have:
- severe back pain
- trouble moving your legs or walking
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is spondylolisthesis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination.
Your doctor may recommend an x-ray of your lower back. This will show if one of your vertebrae is out of place.
Other imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI scan, may also be done.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is spondylolisthesis treated?
Treatments for spondylolisthesis may include:
- avoiding activities that make your symptoms worse
- physiotherapy
- taking medicines to help ease the pain
Occasionally, surgery may be recommended.
Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapist can recommend exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in your:
- lower back
- legs
- abdomen (tummy)
Your physiotherapist can also advise you on which activities to avoid, and for how long.
Medicines
Pain-relief medicines such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can be used to help with your pain.
If simple pain-relief measures do not work, your doctor may suggest a corticosteroid injection in your back.
Resources and Support
If you want to know more about spondylolisthesis, talk to your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak to, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: July 2024
