Spondylolisthesis Relief—No Surgery Required
Slip back into alignment—without surgery.
If you’re experiencing low back pain that flares up when standing or walking… tightness in the legs… or nerve symptoms like numbness or tingling down your leg—you may be dealing with spondylolisthesis. That’s when one of your spinal bones slips forward out of alignment, putting pressure on the nerves and joints below.
At Rise Chiropractic in San Diego, we help stabilize your spine from the inside out using safe, non-invasive care. No surgeries. No medications. Just smart, functional treatment to help you feel stronger and more supported—naturally.
Fun Fact: Up to 6% of adults may have spondylolisthesis—and many don’t know it until symptoms appear.
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis happens when one vertebra in your spine slips forward over the one beneath it—most commonly in the lower back. Depending on how far it slips, it can stretch nearby nerves, cause instability, and lead to a cascade of compensations in the muscles and posture.
Common signs and symptoms include:
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Lower back pain that worsens with standing or walking
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Tight hamstrings or stiffness in the legs
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Pain, numbness, or tingling down the legs (sciatica-like symptoms)
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Muscle fatigue or weakness
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Difficulty standing up straight or maintaining posture
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Instability or “giving out” in the low back
Fun Fact: Many athletes with chronic hamstring tightness actually have undiagnosed spinal slippage.
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What Causes Spondylolisthesis?
There are several types of spondylolisthesis, and the cause can differ depending on your age, activity level, and spinal history. At Rise Chiropractic, we identify the specific type and contributing factors to personalize your care.
Congenital or Developmental
Some individuals are born with spinal anomalies that make vertebral slippage more likely, especially during growth periods.
Isthmic Spondylolisthesis
Often caused by a stress fracture (spondylolysis) in the small bridge of bone connecting spinal joints, common in athletes and active individuals.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Occurs over time as discs and joints in the spine wear down, typically in older adults, leading to forward slippage due to joint instability.
Traumatic or Post-Surgical
Injury or spinal surgery may weaken the structures that keep vertebrae in place, increasing risk of slippage.
Fun Fact: Degenerative spondylolisthesis is most common in adults over 50—especially women with a history of low back pain.
Why Pills, Bracing, and Surgery Aren’t Always the Best First Option
Conventional treatment often includes back bracing, anti-inflammatory meds, or even spinal fusion surgery. While these may help in severe cases, they don’t solve the root issues like weak stabilizing muscles or poor joint mechanics.
Braces can lead to further muscle atrophy. Painkillers mask the symptoms but don’t fix spinal movement. And surgery is invasive, expensive, and doesn’t always guarantee success—especially if postural imbalances aren’t corrected.
At Rise Chiropractic, we help patients avoid surgery and feel stable again—through natural, spine-smart care.
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Our Proven Approach to Spondylolisthesis Care
We begin with a detailed spinal exam and movement assessment, followed by imaging (if necessary) to measure the degree of slippage and nerve involvement. Then, we create a personalized plan that strengthens the spine and reduces pressure on sensitive nerves. Your personalized care plan may include:
Spinal Decompression Therapy: Gently reduces nerve pressure caused by disc or joint compression near the slipped vertebra
Targeted Chiropractic Adjustments: Restore motion and alignment to surrounding joints without stressing the unstable segment
Soft Tissue & Fascial Release: Reduces muscle tightness and improves spinal support and balance
Laser Therapy: Decreases inflammation and promotes healing of soft tissues around the affected area
Core Stabilization & Postural Training: Strengthens the deep muscles that support and protect the spine during daily movement
Activity & Ergonomic Coaching: Helps you move in ways that protect the spine and avoid aggravating the condition
Fun Fact: Strengthening your transverse abdominis (deep core) has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in patients with spondylolisthesis.
You Don’t Have to Live in Fear of Movement
Spondylolisthesis can make you feel unstable and uncertain about your body. But with the right care, many patients experience significant pain relief, improved posture, and renewed confidence in their daily activities.
You don’t have to live in a brace or face spinal fusion as your only option. Call Rise Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stronger, more stable spine.