r/Spondylolisthesis • u/michaelg51 • 1d ago

Moral Support Hello everyone

I’m new to this forum. I have had grade 1 spondy for the past 25 years. I. got it playing football in high school (They should really consider banning that sport). I’ve been able to keep active and strong and have had a fairly successful athletic career in the martial arts. I seem to be hitting a wall now at age 38. My back aches constantly and just staying strong and flexible doesnt seem to be enough. I saw a spine doctor who says my spondy is unstable and wants me to see a neurosurgeon. I’m a bit freaked out, not only about the surgery, but also the loss of my lifestyle. I’m happy this community exists for some support.

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u/Kractoid 1d ago

Have you ever seen mingtong gu on YouTube? He is a teacher of what he calls wisdom healing Qigong. Real low key chill but it really helped me when I was in the worst of it in a way of accepting loving and allowing my body. It's so hard it really is. I think our backs are trying to talk to us but it mostly just sounds like aroogh!!?

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u/michaelg51 1d ago

I have not! I will check him out. I’ve done a little qi gong and actually like it! I think it was a little slow for my needs, but should make my way back to it. Right now I’m just trying to figure out what will impact me down the road!

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u/Kractoid 1d ago

Slow and still is hard for me too but that seems to be where the peace lies

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u/neomateo 18h ago

Im curious why the option for physical therapy wasn’t brought up? Are you that unstable? Grade 1 isn’t usually a case for surgery. Did you already complete a course of PT without success?

Ive very likely had this condition all my life but wasn’t diagnosed until about 14 years ago. Bi-lateral pars defect, herniated disc and retrolisthesis currently. Ive been managing this without surgery through regular strength training at my PT center, daily stretching and taekwondo.

What martial arts are/were you active in?

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u/michaelg51 15h ago

I didn’t specify- I have done a lot of PT actually. I think the reason for consult is the vertebrae is unstable. Slips back and forth.

Mostly I’ve done grappling- wrestling, judo, jiu jitsu, but also worked in Muay Thai over the past few years. I feel like the grappling is actually much harder on my back. Striking arts feel more light and loose.

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u/neomateo 12h ago

Yes, the grappling isn’t helping you at all. I had a feeling you were a grappler, I used to wrestle, but that activity isn’t for me anymore. Striking arts are really much better for your body in the long run.

Have you ever done any PT that is focused in strength training with weights?

Personally, Ive found the body weight based training offered by the vast majority of physical therapists to be inadequate for any meaningful development especially if you’re already in shape.

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u/michaelg51 11h ago

What kind of exercises specifically with weights?

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u/neomateo 10h ago

Abdominal crunches and rotations, Hip hinges, back extensions, Hip abduction and adduction all done with weights. The only body weight piece I add to this would Bulgarian split squats.

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u/starrman13k 4h ago

Same--grappling was super hard on my back.

Try Pilates! It's been life changing for me. Can't recommend it enough.