Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Exercise for sciatica from isthmic spondylolisthesis

Sciatica can be caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis if the condition results in nerve root irritation or impingement. In most cases, if isthmic spondylolisthesis affects or pinches a nerve root it will affect the L5 nerve root. For more information on this condition, see Overview of isthmic spondylolisthesis.

When treating sciatica resulting from isthmic spondylolisthesis with exercise, the spine specialist will typically recommend an exercise program that is a hybrid of:

• Flexion based exercises (as when treating spinal stenosis), and

• Stabilization program (as when treating degenerative disc disease).

The goal of this type of exercise program is to teach the lumbar spine to remain stable in a flexed position. Therefore, the exercises for scia

tica caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis are a combination of both programs.

Sciatica exercises for isthmic spondylolisthesis

These sciatica exercises often require specific hands-on instruction because they offer much less benefit if done incorrectly, and the exercises tend to be much more difficult to do than they appear.

Three exercises that are commonly prescribed for sciatic pain from isthmic spondylolisthesis include: Hook-lying march. As another form of stabilization exercise, Curl-ups. Strengthening the abdominals with the curl-upsthe hook-lying march.