Spinal Fusion Surgery

The first step is to find a doctor, or surgeon, who will walk you through every step of the spinal fusion surgery and answer any questions that you may have. Once you feel comfortable with your doctor, you will feel more comfortable with the procedure.

In general, spinal fusion surgery is the act of permanently fusing, or connecting, two pieces of vertebrae together. At times, a surgeon may consider fusing together more than two pieces, but this type of surgery is hardly ever used just to ease the level of pain that you feel.

Prior to your spinal fusion surgery, your doctor will have (or should have) tried any applicable, nonsurgical, treatments. A diskogram may also be done to determine from where the pain is coming. To complete the diskogram, the doctor will inject a special dye into a disc, which will allow for better visibility on the X-ray.

Once that is complete and you receive the approval for the surgery, you will begin to prepare for the procedure, which will take up to 12 hours to complete. For added comfort during the surgery, you will be allowed a general anesthesia.

During your spinal fusion surgery, the doctor will fuse tiny pieces of bone in between the two vertebrae. This additional bone could come from your own body or from a bone bank. Additionally, your doctor may use the aid of rods, screws, metal plates, or wires to repair your spine.

After the completion of your spinal fusion surgery, you may notice that your spine has limited mobility, especially near the surgical area. This is normal and may be helpful if spinal movement is part of what caused your discomfort.

Spinal fusion surgery is a major step for anyone to take. All surgeries carry some risks, but usually, the benefits outweigh the risks. Before your spinal fusion surgery, it is important that you understand the procedure that will eliminate a majority of the discomfort in your back.