At Georgia Brain & Spine Center
Lumbar spondylolisthesis is a particular type of degenerative spinal disease that results from “slipping” or subluxation of one vertebrae over the next. This condition normally arises low in the lumbar spine or right above the sacrum. Lumbar spondylolisthesis can lead to instability of the spinal column resulting in back pain and compression of the lumbar nerve roots resulting in leg pain or weakness. This pain can worsen over time and become severe and debilitating.
Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
As with many types of spinal disease, our surgeons will evaluate you with a detailed history and physical exam. We order and review your imaging studies and design a treatment plan based around conservative non-surgical strategies. Only if these conservative strategies do not work – or if you have already tried and failed – will we offer surgery. The goal of surgery is generally to remove compression around your nerve roots, but sometimes fusion and stabilization are necessary as well. This is a nuanced decision which your surgeon will discuss with you.