Spondylolisthesis Treatment in New Jersey
In spondylolisthesis, a vertebra slips forward or backward compared to the vertebra below it. This shift often causes instability in the spine that can irritate and compress surrounding nerves. Patients can develop low back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Definition
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a displacement or misalignment between vertebrae. Usually, the vertebra moves forward, but sometimes it can occur posteriorly. There are five grades of severity of slippage, from Grade I to Grade V.
Spondylolisthesis usually occurs in the lumbar spine because this area commonly experiences instability. The lower vertebrae bear the brunt of upper body movement and force. The discs, joints, ligaments, and nerves surrounding the unstable vertebra may become irritated as it slips forward.
Patients may have spondylolisthesis for years and not know it. Others experience gradual onset of lower back pain, leg symptoms, and difficulty standing or walking.
Common symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
Symptoms differ from patient to patient and depend on the amount of instability and whether any nerves are being compressed. Discomfort can be felt in the lower back and leg(s) of many patients.
Usually any kind of activity, like standing, walking, lifting, or exercising, will increase your symptoms due to the added pressure placed on that spinal segment.
- Lower back pain that worsens with activity
- Pain radiating into the buttocks or legs
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Muscle tightness, particularly in the hamstrings
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
- Leg weakness
- Changes in posture
- Symptoms similar to spinal stenosis
Nerve compression symptoms
As slippage of a vertebra advances, nerves in the area can be compressed or irritated. Symptoms can radiate past the lower back into your buttocks, thighs, calves, or feet.
Patients may experience shooting or burning pain, tingling, numbness, heaviness, or weakness in the legs. Symptoms often become worse after standing or walking for long periods, and improve while sitting or changing positions.
Causes
What are the common causes of Spondylolisthesis?
Determining the cause of spondylolisthesis can vary based on age, activity level, and general spine health. For younger patients, repetitive stress injuries to the spine may create small fractures that lead to instability.
Common causes include:
- Degenerative changes, particularly in adults over age 50
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis caused by a pars defect or stress fracture
- Congenital vertebral abnormalities
- Spinal trauma or fractures
- Post-surgical instability
- Tumors or infections affecting the spine
Identifying the underlying cause helps determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Dr. J explained everything in a simplified way that made me very comfortable, and his staff went above and beyond.
When to reach out
When should you see a spine specialist for Spondylolisthesis?
It’s time to see a spine specialist if you notice symptoms when working, exercising, walking, or doing your normal daily activities. Increasing back pain with leg symptoms, worsening weakness, or difficulty standing for long periods could be a sign of progressive instability or nerve compression.
If your symptoms persist despite physical therapy, medications, or other conservative treatment, you should get evaluated. Seeing a spine specialist early may prevent progression of instability and permanent nerve injury.
How is Spondylolisthesis diagnosed?
Diagnosis at the Jey Institute starts with taking a history of your symptoms, your medical history, and findings from a physical exam. We look at posture, strength, sensation, reflexes, flexibility, and gait to see how your condition is affecting your life.
Since treatment is determined not just by how much a vertebra is slipping but also by the stability of the spine, X-rays are also utilized in your diagnosis.
Combining imaging findings with physical examination results allows us to develop an individualized treatment plan.
- Detailed history and physical examination
- Standing X-rays with flexion and extension views
- MRI scans to evaluate nerve compression and soft tissues
- CT scans for detailed bony anatomy and pars defects
- Functional assessment of activity limitations
Spondylolisthesis treatment approach
01
Conservative care
02
Image-guided injections
03
Minimally invasive stabilization and fusion
Common procedures used to treat Spondylolisthesis
Anterior & Lateral Lumbar Fusion
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) are techniques that access the lumbar spine through the front or side of the body rather than through the back.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Considering an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in New Jersey? Learn how the procedure works, who may be a candidate, and what to expect before and after surgery.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy / Laminectomy
Considering a lumbar microdisectomy or laminectomy in New Jersey? Learn how the procedure works, who may be a candidate, and what to expect before and after surgery.
Recovery
Recovery after Spondylolisthesis surgery
Recovery from spondylolisthesis surgery will vary depending on the procedure done and how severe symptoms were prior to surgery. Many patients who have had a minimally invasive procedure are able to go home in one or two days.
Walking is promoted after surgery. Patients tend to notice improvement in their leg symptoms early in recovery. Numbness and weakness may take longer to recover if nerve compression was present for a long time.
Most patients resume normal activities slowly over the course of a few weeks while complying with activity restrictions that allow the surgical area to heal.
What are the risks of untreated Spondylolisthesis?
Without treatment, spondylolisthesis may continue to progress and place additional pressure on surrounding nerves.
Many patients experience worsening back pain, increasing leg symptoms, reduced walking tolerance, and declining physical function over time.
Early evaluation can help determine whether treatment may prevent future complications.
Potential complications may include:
- Progressive nerve compression
- Chronic pain
- Increasing spinal instability
- Leg weakness
- Permanent nerve dysfunction
- Reduced quality of life
Who is a candidate for Spondylolisthesis treatment?
We evaluate patients with both mild and severe forms of spondylolisthesis.
Treatment recommendations are individualized based on symptoms, imaging findings, and long-term goals.
Candidates for treatment may include:
- Patients with imaging-confirmed spondylolisthesis
- Adults experiencing persistent back or leg symptoms
- Patients with instability demonstrated on imaging
- Individuals who no longer improve with conservative treatment
- Patients seeking minimally invasive treatment options
Dr. Shiveindra Jeyamohan, MD.
Chief Surgeon & Medical Director
Meet the clinical lead
Why choose the Jey Institute for Spondylolisthesis treatment in New Jersey?
The doctors at the Jey Institute treat only spine and nervous system conditions. We use state-of-the-art diagnostics along with the least invasive surgical techniques to treat those who are plagued with spinal instability and pinched nerves.
Each patient is treated uniquely based on their symptoms, imaging studies, activity level, and expectations. Spondylolisthesis treatment in New Jersey may include physical therapy, injections, or surgery, with the goal of decreasing pain, increasing function, and getting you back to doing what you love.
- 5,000+ Patients served
- 3,000+ Surgeries performed
- 99% Same-day recovery rate
Frequently asked questions about Spondylolisthesis
Can I exercise with Spondylolisthesis?
Yes. Exercise often plays an important role in treatment. Physical therapy and strengthening programs can improve spinal support and reduce symptoms.
Do I need fusion surgery?
Not necessarily. Many patients improve with conservative care. Fusion surgery is typically considered when instability is significant or symptoms continue despite non-surgical treatment.
If I get a fusion, will I need another one in the future?
Some patients may develop degeneration at nearby spinal levels over time. Careful surgical planning, restoration of proper alignment, and minimally invasive techniques can help reduce this risk.
What’s the recovery timeline after fusion?
Many patients return home within one or two days after minimally invasive surgery. Walking begins almost immediately, and most patients gradually resume normal activities over the following weeks.
Will my Spondylolisthesis get worse over time?
It can. Some patients remain stable for years while others experience progressive instability and worsening symptoms. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of progression.
Areas we serve in New Jersey
Hamilton, NJ
311 Whitehorse Ave.,
Hamilton Township, NJ
08610
Little Silver, NJ
200 White Road,
Little Silver, NJ 07739
Suite 111
Clifton, NJ
735 Clifton Avenue
Clifton NJ 07013
Dover, NJ
50 Nelson St.
Dover NJ 07801
West Orange, NJ
414 Eagle Rock Ave,
West Orange, NJ 07052
Suite 304
East Brunswick, NJ
180 Tices Lane
East Brunswick NJ 08816
Suite 106
Real reviews from our past patients
“Dr. J was attentive, listened to me and showed that he truly cared about my problems. He explained in details and offered me expert opinions. I love that he treats patients as individual and truly listens.”
Bernice
“After being unhappy with my spine surgeon, I found Dr. J. He explained exactly what was wrong with me, made a game plan, and had his team help out in scheduling. Once he found where the problem was, he got me scheduled, did excellent work, and I was home in a couple days. The scar is WAY SMALLER than my original surgery, which wasn’t even as big! He really is a minimally invasive expert and my recovery was way faster!”
Eddie
“I’ve had 5 different operations on my back in the last decade. Dr. J did number 6. His scar was the smallest, least amount of pain, and for the first time after any surgery I went home the same day. Maybe I’m just getting used to surgery lol!”
Steve W.
“No doubt in my mind Dr. Jeyamohan saved my life.”
Steven C.
“Thank You from the bottom of my heart for getting my active lifestyle back- I’m so happy with the outcome- thank u for being honest about the pain I would experience in the first month of recovery- your bedside manner in the hospital was excellent – your PA Andrea was amazing as well- I would recommend Evergreen Health to everyone and my team of docs was super- Thank U Dr J, Dr Nora, and Dr Ting!! Feels amazing to be standing tall with great posture everyday I’m getting stronger”
Michelle G.
“Kind and thorough. Top quality and felt safe throughout.”
Verified Patient
“Took the time to explain my pictures and what was wrong with me, and gave me many different options. Answered every single one of my questions and even a few over the phone. Went home the same day and on my way to a full recovery! Office is clean, bright, and everyone was super friendly and helpful! Andrea his assistant has been a treasure!”
Verified Patient
“Incredibly thorough, took his time to explain and answer all my questions. Gave me plenty of options. I probably visited with him three or four times before committing to surgery, never once did he rush me. Saw me every day in the hospital, walked with me. I’m so thankful I had the surgery with him. I saw two other spine surgeons who didn’t even want to take on such a complicated operation but Dr. J did incredible work and I’m back to walking on my own! I don’t even need a cane anymore”
Verified Patient
“First, the office was not good. Getting an appointment, scheduling, paperwork, was a nightmare. But once I got in to see Dr. J, it was smooth sailing! He got me the tests I needed, talked to me about treatment options, and helped me set up an injection. We talked about different surgeries, got me scheduled, did great work, and made sure I had follow-up appointments. I’m back to the farm ahead of schedule and back to work. If only I could have got in to see him sooner.”
Verified Patient
“I have to be honest here and own up. I saw three different spine surgeons and was worried “Dr. Jey” as everyone calls him was too young. I went with someone else who fused three levels in my back. I did horribly with lots of complications. After getting over all my issues, I swallowed my pride and went back to Dr. Jey. He never made me feel bad and graciously took a look at everything, ordered more tests, and showed me what was going on. Bad news, he says he couldn’t undo the fusion. Worse news, it’s now an even bigger operation to fix, and he was honest and said the best we can do is try to get me…”
Verified Patient
“My experience was excellent. Dr J is very knowledgeable explained everything in a simplified way that made me very comfortable. His staff went above and beyond answer any question I had No matter what the question was. I can’t thank Dr J and his staff enough For helping me get through this spine Injury.”
Jim D.
“I am a 45 year old male who led an active lifestyle when a back injury changed my life. I went from working and being active with my 4 children to suddenly I couldn’t make any movement without excruciating pain. The type of pain I can’t even explain in words. I went to see Dr. Jeyamohan on the referral of my sister who is a physician as well. When I walked into the office the team had already looked at my MRI and explained to me in honest terms that we had an emergency situation on our hands and that delaying surgery was simply not an option. Dr. Jeyamohan Made calls and got me scheduled for emergency back surgery right…”
Eric F.