If you suffer from back pain, you’re not alone. According to the American Chiropractic Association, back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In the United States, it accounts for 264 million lost workdays a year, which equates to two days for every worker in the country.
While most back pain eventually fades, if it becomes chronic, spinal fusion may be able to help. Although previously seen as a high-risk surgery with a long recovery time, the doctors at Advanced Spine and Pain utilize innovative, minimally invasive spinal fusion techniques that can have you back on your feet in no time.
What is spinal fusion surgery?
Spinal fusion surgeries are typically performed to stabilize the spine or eliminate motions in the spine that cause pain. By fusing two or more vertebrae together into a single bone with bone grafts, screws, or rods, the surgeon can eliminate motion in the region and stabilize the spine. The screws and rods hold everything together while the bones fuse together.
In addition to eliminating motion between vertebrae, spinal fusion can also prevent the stretching of nerves, muscles, and ligaments that are close to the vertebrae, which could be the source of the pain.
What conditions can spinal fusion surgery treat?
Spinal fusion is often recommended when the spine needs to be stabilized due to disease, injury, or aging. The surgery has found success in correcting spinal problems in the lower back, upper back, and neck. Specific conditions that may benefit from spinal fusion include:
- Spinal deformities
- Broken vertebrae
- Herniated discs
- Spinal weakness
- Factures
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
Overall, spinal fusion has been found to greatly reduce spine-related pain.
What’s involved in spinal fusion surgery?
Spinal fusion is never used as a first option. Your doctor at Advanced Spine and Pain will always try medicine, physical therapy, and other treatments before suggesting surgery. Spinal fusion is also only used if the doctors at Advanced Spine and Pain are able to pinpoint the source of your pain.
Spinal fusion is performed as an outpatient procedure. After giving you general anesthesia, your surgeon will make tiny incisions in your neck, back, or side, depending on the locations of the vertebrae. Then they will use precision surgical tools to place the screws and rods that will bring your spinal bones together.
Because of the advanced, minimally invasive approach, your surgeon will not have to cut through tissue or bone during your surgery. This will allow for quick results and a fast recovery time.
You don’t have to suffer with spinal pain. The doctors at Advanced Spine and Pain can help you eliminate it for good. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
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