under fluoroscopic guidance can help with severe radicular (leg) pain, but lacks conclusive benefit in relieving back pain in lumbar spondylolisthesis. Chiropractic Specific spinal manipulation identifies the joints that are restricted or those that show abnormal motion. A gentle thrusting technique that helps to return motion to the joint by stretching the soft tissues and stimulating the nervous system. The purpose is to facilitate movement above and below the anterior slipped vertebrae. Other techniques are non thrusting flexion distraction or instrument assisted adjusting. Surgical There are no clear radiological or medical guidelines or indications for surgical interventions in degenerative spondylolisthesis. A minimum of three months of conservative management should be completed prior to considering surgical intervention. Three indications for potential surgical treatment are as follows: persistent or recurrent back pain or neurologic pain with a persistent reduction of quality of life despite a reasonable trial of conservative (non-operative) management, new or worsening bladder or bowel symptoms, or a new or worsening neurological deficit. Both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques are used to treat anterolisthesis. Retrolisthesis A retrolisthesis is a posterior displacement of one vertebral body with respect to the subjacent vertebra to a degree less than a luxation (dislocation). Retrolistheses are most easily diagnosed on lateral x-ray views of the spine. Views, where care has been taken to expose for a true lateral view without any rotation, offer the best diagnostic quality. Retrolistheses are found most prominently in the cervical and lumbar region, but can also be seen in the thoracic area. History Spondylolisthesis was first described in 1782 by Belgian obstetrician Herbinaux. He reported a bony prominence anterior to the sacrum that obstructed the vagina of a small number of patients. The term spondylolisthesis was coined in 1854 from the Greek and . See also Spondylosis Spondylolysis Failed back syndrome Joint dislocation References External links Deforming dorsopathies Congenital disorders of musculoskeletal system