L5-S1 anterolisthesis
Hey everyone, looking to hear from people who’ve dealt with something similar.
I was recently diagnosed with L5-S1 anterolisthesis with chronic bilateral pars defects. My flexion/extension X-rays showed about a 9–10 mm slip, and my doctor mentioned it’s basically a grade 1/2 spondylolisthesis situation. Main symptoms are lower back pain, stiffness, and sometimes pain that radiates upward into my neck/shoulders too.
I have PT scheduled already and I’m trying to stay proactive with walking, posture changes, and weight loss, but mentally this has been overwhelming because I’m only in my 30s and worried about long-term progression.
For people who improved or stabilized this:
- What actually helped?
- Did PT make a noticeable difference?
- Any exercises, stretches, or habits that reduced flare-ups?
- What made things worse that I should avoid?
- Anyone get neck/upper back tension along with the lower back issues?
Would really appreciate hearing real experiences, especially from people who managed this without surgery.