Because of the nature of the mechanical forces in the spine, it is most commonly seen in the last intervertebral joint between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacrum.

The treatment of spondylosysthesis is by surgery. The nervous structures are decompressed, if possible a reduction of the slip is achieved and the spine is fixed into that reduced position by the help of metallic implants and cages. The results of treatment are generally gratifying

Spondylo-lysthesis which literally means a "slipped vertebra" occurs when the spine is rendered unstable due to injury, fracture, severe disc degeneration or age related weakening of the bones. The net result is that the vertebrae above slips forward in relation to the one below. The result can be severe back pain and, if the slip causes pressure on the contained nerves, a severe form of nerve pain .