Hi...new to the forum. I have Grade II spondylolisthesis at the L5/S1 level...along with severe bilateral foraminal stenosis. I often have trouble finding comfortable positions while sleeping. The best position that works for me is to sleep on my side (in a fetal position), with a pillow between my knees. Hope this helps!

Linda

I too have been told I have Spondylolisthesis. A year ago, I fell backwards on ice. Ever since then, I have trouble getting out of bed and walking. I have to sit in a chair for anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before the pain goes away. It feels like my muscles are contracted (much like a major cramp or charlie horse) This doesn't happen during the waking hours. I have tried sleeping on either side (If I lay on one side, i have pain in one leg, if i lay on my other side the opposite leg hurts) Sometimes, the pain is in lower back and I have to roll out of bed and get on my knees, then stand up. I am so tired of the pain first thing in the morning. Thank you for asking this question. I too would like to know how I can get up in the morning and not have the cramping type pain. Laura

Well, as I stated above...I have grade 2 spondy and my pain is at its worst right when I get up in the morning, too. I have found that stretching while I'm still in bed, helps tremendously. I do a 6-7 minute stretching routine before I even attempt to get up off the bed. The very first thing I do as soon as I open up my eyes is...I bring both of my knees up to my chest and hold that position for several minutes. Then, staying in that position, I will do a gentle rocking motion back and forth and I'll also do a circling motion...all the while still holding my knees tight to my chest. This really opens up my lower back and prepares me for standing erect. After I'm fully stretched and walking around for a bit...I'll hop onto my inversion table for a few minutes to decompress my spine...this feels really good. By this time, my back is feeling pretty good...unfortunately, it's at this point that my leg pain kicks into high gear. There is only one thing that helps my nerve pain...and that one thing is exercise. As soon as I get my butt over to the gym, I know it's only a matter of time before my pain subsides.

Linda

This stretching sounds as if it works for you. Any suggestions for someone with a grade 1 2mm spondy L5/S1 but with thoracic spinal problems. My problem is made worse by trying to stretch (excruciating leg cramps on waking most mornings and need someone to press my foot towards my shin as I cannot reach it for the spasm). Any suggestions?