Spondylolisthesis and Gentle Chiropractic in Salt Lake City

Spondylolisthesis, often caused by a stress fracture in one of the lower lumbar vertebrae, can bring chronic low back pain, instability and limited movement. Because the affected segment is less stable, I keep adjustments especially light and put the focus on stability.

One patient’s story

One of my long-time patients shared her experience:

“I have a condition called spondylolisthesis (a stress fracture in one of my lumbar vertebrae), which has caused progressively worsening lower back pain since I was 16. … I became fearful that surgery might be my only option. Then, my massage therapist recommended Dr. Leusden. To say he restored my quality of life would be an understatement. In less than 24 hours after my FIRST treatment, I was pain-free for the first time in 20 years. The treatments caused me no discomfort, and most importantly, they HELD.

I have now been seeing Dr. Leusden for almost three years, and I have remained pain-free ever since that very first visit. Thanks to him and his light-force treatments, I have been able to resume activities I previously had to give up, such as camping and gardening.”

Results vary from person to person, but her story shows what careful, light work can do.

How I approach spondylolisthesis

• Light, neutral-position adjustments. No cracking or twisting, and nothing pushed to end range.
• The whole region, not one vertebra. I check the lumbar spine, pelvis, hips and the muscles that stabilize them, because the body compensates around an unstable segment.
• Stability first. The aim is for corrections to hold, so visits can space out.

I use Open Source Technique (OST) and the OS Test to find which structure is holding stress and in which direction before adjusting anything.

If you have been told surgery is an option, gentle care can be worth exploring first or alongside it, and I will tell you if I think your case needs a surgeon’s opinion.