Treatment of Spondylolysis
Treatment for spondylolisthesis depends on several factors, including the age and overall health of the person, the extent of the slip, and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment most often is conservative, involving rest, medication, and exercise. More severe spondylolisthesis might require surgery.

Conservative treatment: The person should take a break from sports and other activities until the pain subsides. An over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Motrin?) or naproxen (Aleve? or Naprosyn?), might be recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation (irritation and swelling). Stronger medications might be prescribed if the NSAIDs do not provide relief. Epidural steroid injections - in which medication is placed directly in the space surrounding the spine - might also help reduce inflammation and ease pain.

Physical therapy: Stabilization exercises are the mainstay of treatment. These exercises strengthen the abdominal and/or back muscles, minimizing bony movement of the spine. Generally, 8 to 12 weeks of aggressive daily treatment with stabilization exercises are needed to achieve clinical improvement.

Surgery: Surgery might be necessary if the vertebra continues to slip or if the pain is not relieved by conservative treatment and begins to interfere with daily activities. The main goals of surgery for spondylolisthesis are to relieve the pain associated with an irritated nerve, to stabilize the spine where the vertebra has slipped out of place, and to increase the person's ability to function.

The second procedure, called spinal fusion, is performed to provide stability. In a fusion, a piece of bone is transplanted to the back of the spine. As the bone heals, it fuses with the spine - creating a solid mass of bone - keeping the spine from moving and stabilizing it. In some cases, instruments such as rods or screws are used to hold the vertebra firm as the fusion heals.