Back Pain / Sciatica / Lower Extremity Radiculopathy · scheduled consultation
Spondylolisthesis & Spinal Instability
A structured review of vertebral slippage, movement-related back pain, leg symptoms, and whether instability changes the treatment conversation.
When consultation may help
Bring the concern into focus.
Symptoms, imaging, prior care, function, and goals are organized into one clear clinical question.
Back pain that changes with position or activity
↗Leg pain, weakness, or walking limitation
↗Questions about decompression, fusion, or continued observation
↗Prepare for the review
Bring the evidence—not only the label.
Standing and flexion-extension X-rays when available
Lumbar MRI or CT images
Prior spine treatment and response
Bone health, smoking, medication, and surgical history
How this concern is approached.
Alignment, motion, nerve compression, bone health, function, and goals are reviewed together so the recommendation is based on the whole picture rather than a single imaging phrase.
Understand the decision
The details that shape the plan.
What is spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis means that one spinal bone has moved forward relative to another. It may be associated with back or leg symptoms, but some people have few symptoms. The amount of slip is only one part of the evaluation.
Does a slip always mean fusion?
No. Symptoms, nerve compression, alignment and evidence of movement help shape the discussion. Some people are managed without surgery. If stabilization is proposed, ask why it is needed and how it relates to your particular findings.
What information helps the review?
Bring prior standing X-rays or other imaging if already available, along with records of treatment. Ask whether additional imaging would answer a specific question about stability, and how bone health may affect a proposed plan.
A disciplined visit
Listen. Review. Explain. Plan.
Listen
Clarify symptoms, timing, prior care, health history, daily impact, and goals.
Review
Place actual imaging, reports, comparison studies, and records in clinical context.
Explain
Translate the finding, real uncertainty, and reasonable options into plain language.
Plan
Define who owns testing, follow-up, referral, conservative care, or surgery when appropriate.
Leadership behind the care
Clinical focus. Operational discipline.
Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik
Dr. Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation across brain and spine concerns, connecting symptoms, imaging, prior care, and patient goals into a careful clinical interpretation and practical next step.
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, supports the practice through physician-led management, care coordination, and reliable systems. Dr. Stacey Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation and treatment.
When symptoms should not wait.
Rapid neurologic decline, new bladder or bowel dysfunction, saddle numbness, or severe symptoms after trauma requires emergency evaluation.
Sources behind this overview
Patient education from established clinical organizations.
These links support the general educational overview. They do not replace a clinician’s interpretation of an individual history, examination, or imaging.
Continue exploring
Every pathway stays connected.
01Back Pain, Sciatica & Leg WeaknessExplore02Lumbar Spinal StenosisExplore03Herniated Lumbar DiscExplore04Spondylolisthesis & Spinal InstabilityYou are here05Neck Pain & Arm RadiculopathyExplore06Cervical Myelopathy & Balance ChangesExplore07Brain Tumors & Intracranial CystsExplore08Hydrocephalus & Shunt CareExplore09Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus & IIHExplore10Neurotrauma Follow-Up & Brace ClearanceExplore11Imaging Review & Incidental FindingsExplore12Neurosurgical Second OpinionsExplore
General educational information only. This page does not replace a medical evaluation. Calling the office, using the navigator, or reading this page does not establish a physician-patient relationship. The Care Navigator is scripted and does not diagnose or triage.