Are you experiencing lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or difficulty standing and walking for long periods of time? Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips out of alignment. At Grossman Spine, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Seth Grossman identifies the root cause and develops a personalized treatment plan to restore stability, comfort, and mobility.
Restore Spinal Stability and Alignment
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it. This shift can narrow the space around the nearby nerves, leading to lower back pain, stiffness, leg pain, numbness, or weakness. The condition may develop because of age-related degeneration, a stress fracture, trauma, or congenital spinal differences. Depending on the severity and your symptoms, treatment may range from conservative therapies to surgical solutions that restore spinal stability.
Signs & Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis:
- Persistent lower back pain that may worsen with standing, walking, or physical activity
- Pain that radiates into one or both buttocks, thighs, or legs (sciatica)
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations caused by irritated spinal nerves
- Muscle weakness in the legs that may affect balance or mobility
- Tight hamstrings and reduced flexibility
- Stiffness in the lower back, especially after periods of inactivity
- Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods due to discomfort
- Changes in posture or gait as your body compensates for spinal instability
- Pain that improves with sitting or leaning forward in some cases
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (requires immediate medical attention)
Procedures for Spondylolisthesis
Dr. Grossman understands that no two cases of spondylolisthesis are exactly alike. After evaluating your symptoms, imaging studies, spinal alignment, and overall health, he develops a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain, restore stability, and preserve function whenever possible. When surgery is the most appropriate solution, he recommends the procedure best suited to your condition, goals, and spinal health.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is the most common treatment for symptomatic spondylolisthesis when abnormal vertebral movement causes persistent pain or nerve compression. Dr. Grossman stabilizes the affected vertebrae with bone graft material and specialized implants, such as screws and rods, allowing the bones to fuse into a single solid unit over time. This eliminates painful motion, restores spinal stability, relieves pressure on nearby nerves, and helps prevent further vertebral slippage while improving overall spinal alignment.
Complex Revision Spine Surgery
Complex revision spine surgery may be recommended when previous spine surgery has not achieved the desired outcome or when recurrent spinal instability, hardware complications, or progressive deformity develops. Revision procedures may involve replacing or extending instrumentation, correcting spinal alignment, decompressing affected nerves, and establishing a more durable fusion to restore stability, reduce pain, and improve long-term spinal function.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Seth Grossman is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who believes surgery should be recommended when it is truly the right solution. Serving patients throughout New Jersey, he provides personalized, evidence-based care with an emphasis on restoring function, relieving pain, and improving overall quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of spondylolisthesis, schedule a consultation to explore the treatment options that best fit your needs.
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