For some people with degenerative spondylolisthesis, sleeping in a reclining position with support under the knees can reduce some of the pain discomfort in the lower back, making it easier to sleep through the night. Adjustable Beds are a good alternative as they are electronically controlled and can be adjusted to a number of different positions

Every level of the spine is composed of a disc in the front and paired facet joints in the back. The disc acts as a shock absorber in between the vertebrae, whereas the paired facet joints restrain motion. They allow the spine to bend forwards (flexion) and backwards (extension) but do not allow for a lot of rotation.

As the facet joints age, they can become incompetent and allow too much flexion, allowing one vertebral body to slip forward on the other. This slippage is known as a Degenerative spondylolisthesis, which is Latin for “slipped vertebral body.”

Usually Degenerative spondylolisthesis is far more common in individuals older than 65 and is more common in females than males by a 3:1 margin. While not as common as lumbar spondylolisthesis, cervical spondylolisthesis is usually a secondary issue to arthritis in the facet joints when it does occur.

There is a range of non-surgical treatment options such as pain medications, ice or heat application that may help with some of the pain of a degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Osteoarthritis. Individuals with osteoarthritis in the spine, or facet joint arthritis, often wake up feeling quite stiff and sore in the morning. Sleeping on an adjustable bed may possibly provide better support and therefore decrease the irritation by minimizing joint compression.

Spinal stenosis. People with spinal stenosis most often feel more comfortable when bending forward instead of standing up straight. Likewise, sleeping on a flat mattress can sometimes be less comfortable for people with this condition than sleeping in the reclining position, such as that afforded by an adjustable bed.