Non-surgical support for vertebral slippage, nerve compression & chronic back instability
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it.
This forward shift can create:
-
instability in the lower back - nerve irritation (often causing sciatica)
- difficulty bending, standing or walking
- chronic swelling and muscle tightness
There are several types:
1. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis (most common)
Caused by disc thinning, arthritis and facet joint degeneration.
2. Isthmic (Pars Defect) Spondylolisthesis
Due to a small fracture or stress reaction in the pars interarticularis.
3. Traumatic
Following a sudden accident or sports injury.
4. Congenital
Present from birth due to altered vertebral shape.
Lower Back Symptoms
Lower Back Symptoms
- Deep, aching lower-back pain
- Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or extension
- Stiffness on waking or after sitting
- Muscle tightness around the spine
Nerve-Related Symptoms (if compression occurs)
- Pain into the buttock, hamstring or calf
- Tingling or numbness in the leg
- Leg weakness or heaviness
- Sciatica-like symptoms
Instability Symptoms
- Feeling like the back “gives way”
- Difficulty lifting or bending
- Reduced endurance for walking or activity
What Causes Spondylolisthesis?
Ageing & Disc Degeneration
When discs thin, vertebrae shift more easily.
Arthritic Facet Joints
Worn joints may no longer stabilise the vertebra properly.
Repetitive Stress
Gymnastics, cricket fast bowling, dance and weightlifting can stress the pars region.
Poor Biomechanics
Weak core, poor posture, reduced hip mobility.
Injury or Trauma
Falls, collisions, or repetitive overextension.
Degrees of Severity
Spondylolisthesis is graded by how far the vertebra has slipped. Understanding your grade helps determine whether conservative care or surgical review is most appropriate.
Grade I
- 0–25% forward slip
- Severity: Mild
Grade II
- 26–50% forward slip
- Severity: Moderate
Grade III
- 51–75% forward slip
- Severity: Severe
Grade IV
- 76–100% forward slip
- Severity: Very severe
Most people with Grade I–II respond well to conservative, non-surgical care.
How Spinal Decompression May Help Spondylolisthesis
Spinal decompression therapy targets one of the most overlooked contributors to vertebral slippage: ongoing compression and shear forces at the affected segment.
What does the research suggest?
Your uploaded clinical studies (Carmona, Arumugam, PMRJ, Kasimovich) support that decompression can:
- safely reduce spinal loading
- relieve pressure on affected nerve roots
- reduce inflammation in degenerating discs
- improve mobility and walking tolerance
- reduce back and leg pain
- improve spinal mechanics in degenerative cases
For degenerative spondylolisthesis, decompression can gently:
- open the nerve exit (foramen)
- reduce disc pressure
- reduce irritation of the facet joints
- improve hydration of compromised discs
Important: Decompression does not “pull the bone back into place”, but it can reduce symptoms significantly and make daily life more manageable.
Your First Visit: What to Expect
1. Detailed Examination
- • lumbar neurological testing
- • reflex and strength testing
- • movement assessment
- • posture and gait analysis
- • straight leg raise and slump tests
- • review of MRI or X-ray
2. Diagnosis & Candidacy Screening
We determine:
- • the grade of your spondylolisthesis
- • whether decompression is safe
- • which level requires unloading
3. Customised Treatment Plan
May include:
- • lumbar spinal decompression
- • gentle chiropractic adjustments
- • core stabilisation
- • pelvic alignment and hip mobility training
- • posture and ergonomic support
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
You may benefit from decompression if you have:
- Grade I or Grade II spondylolisthesis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica or nerve irritation
- Chronic lower-back pain
- Pain with standing or walking
- Pain relieved by sitting or bending forward
You may not be suitable if you have:
- Unstable Grade III–IV slips
- Acute fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Spinal tumours or infection
Every case is individually assessed.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
While it varies, most people require a structured program of:
- 2–3 sessions per week
- 6–10 weeks, depending on severity
Ligaments, discs and nerves need repeated unloading before slips calm down. We incorporate chiropractic care, decompression and rehabilitation to improve long-term stability — not just short-term pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isthmic (pars fractures) in children can heal; degenerative slips do not reverse but symptoms can improve dramatically.
Yes — when parameters are customised. It is commonly used for Grade I–II.
Most people with low-grade slips manage well without surgery.
Yes — extension loads the facets and narrows nerve space.
Yes, with guidance. Core stability and hip mobility are essential.
Book an Assessment
If you're experiencing instability, leg heaviness or other spondylolisthesis symptoms, our chiropractors can assess whether spinal decompression may be suitable for you.
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