Symptoms
- Lower back pain on standing or walking
- Pain or numbness in the legs
- Tight hamstrings
- Difficulty walking far
See a doctor urgently if
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Leg weakness
Treatment
First: Physiotherapy to strengthen the core, and medicines.
If needed: Decompression of the nerves and spinal fusion with screws and a cage, often through small incisions.
Questions
Does spondylolisthesis always need surgery?
No. Many patients improve with physiotherapy and medicine. Surgery is for ongoing pain, nerve symptoms or a slip that is getting worse.