The short answer
Spondylolysis refers to a stress injury or defect in part of a vertebra. Spondylolisthesis means one vertebra has slipped relative to another. These terms describe different findings, and treatment depends on symptoms, stability and the clinical assessment.
Understanding the problem
In young athletes, repeated spinal loading can contribute to a stress injury. Some people have imaging findings with few symptoms. The clinician considers pain, neurological signs and the degree of any slip before recommending management.
Care and next steps
Activity adjustment, rehabilitation and sometimes a brace may be discussed. Surgery is reserved for selected situations. An imaging label alone should not lead to permanent avoidance of activity without an explanation of the individual risks and plan.
Prepare for your consultation
Describe the sport and movements that bring on pain, and bring the actual imaging along with the report. Ask whether the finding is an active stress injury, an older defect or a slip requiring monitoring. Clarify how return to training will be decided. New bladder or bowel problems or progressive weakness require urgent assessment rather than waiting for rehabilitation review.
Common questions
Are spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis the same thing?
No. One describes a bony defect; the other describes vertebral slippage.
Medical sources & further reading
This patient education guide was approved for publication by Dr Shahrukh Khan on 11 September 2026. It cannot diagnose your symptoms or replace a personalised clinical assessment. Editorial policy · About the doctor.