Spondylolithesis can be difficult to treat effectively. Because of the slippage of the vertebrae causing the intervertebrial disc to press on the spinal cord, physical exercise can cause the pain level to increase dramatically, so PHYSIOTHERAPY is not usually recommended, although some gentle exercises may be tried and if they do not cause pain can be effective in strenghtening the back muscles. HYDROTHERAPY,gentle exercises in water, can help some patients but if increased pain is suffered inform the physiotherapist in charge of your case.

A PAIN RELIEF CLINIC can offer a variety of different treatments for you to try, which can be used with or instead of pain relief medication. The Pain Relief Clinic is usually staffed by a variety of medical professionals who specialize in pain management. Theses can include an ANESTHESETIST, PHYSIOTHERAPIST,PSYCHOLOGIST, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST and nurses who have all undergone extra training in pain management. They can offer various treatments and advice on how to manage on a day to day basis.

Treatments such as TENS and SPINAL INJECTIONS can all be tried here and may be effective in reducing the level of pain. Occupational Therapy can advise on how to do everyday chores without aggravating the condition and Psychology can help with techniques on how to deal with depression, which is common in chronic pain sufferers, and may suggest Relaxation Therapy. All these treatments and others can help to reduce the levels of pain.

The main treatment for Spondylolithesis, excluding surgery, is pain medication. Many are available, some over the counter such as NEUROFEN and PARACETAMOL, and prescription drugs ranging from CO-C0MADOL to NEURONTIN and TRAMADOL. Your G.P. can help your find the ones which work for you but it is generally a case of trial and error. FLUOXETINE (PROZAC) can help if you suffer from depression and can also help with relaxing muscles in the back so lessening the occurence of muscle spasm.

The main treatment for Spondylolithesis is surgery usually in the form of SPINAL FUSION. This is quite major surgery and should only be undertaken after consultation with the surgeon and other doctors involved in your treatment. Surgery is not always successful and pain may re-occur above or below the original site of the surgery. They is also a slight risk that the surgery can cause paralysis. Get all the information you can before you decide and don't be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure of anything.