spondylolisthesis updates/tips/success stories

Hey everyone!

I noticed a few threads on this but didn't see too many "success" stories. I've also been handed this diagnosis and my neurosurgeon recommended surgery. I'm not completely opposed to surgery but I want to make sure I've exhausted all other options.

I've been going to the gym regularly for about 4 weeks now. I don't have many issues with anything unless it involves bending over (toe touch style). I have been doing squats and even deadlift but with VERY low weight. I also do core exercised everyday. I'm trying to build strength in that whole area.

Since I've been training, I HAVE noticed a decrease in the 'everyday' pain that I had. I still irritate it and get the "electric shock" every now and then, but the chronic pain is better.

That being said, my body has adapted some compensation mechanism for when I bend over. My hips buckle out to the right. I can't bend straight down. This isn't 'just' the pain stopping me, I 'physically' can't bend straight down with out my hips kicking out to the right.

Is there anyone out there who has gone through this or something similar that can let me know if there is anything I can do to restore my body's movement? This whole ordeal has been less about pain (for me) and much more about my limited movement.

Also can some people share some success stories with AND without surgery? Spinal fusion especially.

Thanks!

I realize this is an old thread, but I found it searching for a thread that I posted in recently and wanted to update with my story.....

In August of 2010 I was diagnosed with grade 1 spondylolisthesis - L5 vertebra. Doc told me to lose some weight and strengthen my core. I did two rounds of P90X, lost tons of weight, but wasn't gaining much strength. In May of 2011 I began Starting Strength and really started building a very strong back. My results are in my journal here: [url]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=134256491[/url]

Ever since I have started lifting heavy, my quality of life has been greatly improved. I take ibuprofen regularly (typically 800 mg every morning), and a few times a year my back will flare up and I will take 800-1000 mg 3x/day, and slowly work myself back off of it over the course of a week or two.

I seem to have no issues rounding my back, but excessively arching my back - especially on overhead press - seems to irritate my lower back.

Just thought I would share my story for others who might be going through the same thing....