How do I live comfortably with spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis means one vertebra has slipped slightly forward over the one below it - and because of that, this is one to handle hand in hand with your doctor, not alone. It can be silent for years, or it can leave the lower back tired and achy, especially after standing or arching back. The good news is that for most people it is stable, and the day-to-day discomfort comes from the surrounding muscles overworking to hold things steady.

Once your doctor has cleared you, Gravity Stretching can be a gentle complement: decompression in straps unloads the spine and gives the overworked muscles around the slip a chance to release, while slow, supported movement keeps the area mobile without forcing it. Everything happens within your comfort - the straps hold your weight, we start with just a few seconds, and we never push through pain.

This is a wellness practice, not a fix for the slip itself, so coordinate with your doctor first and start at the gentlest level with a trainer who knows your history. If you feel new weakness, numbness or changes in the bladder, stop and see a doctor right away.