Most back pain sufferers will find relief from noninvasive treatments including massage, ice therapy, workout (yoga), and rest. This is because a strained muscle or ligament is the cause of their discomfort. Unfortunately, some people's pain is brought on by structural problems with their spines, and in certain cases, surgical intervention on the spine can be quite helpful.
There are different surgical techniques for treating back conditions. They depend on numerous circumstances (place of pain, overall health state, bad habits, previous operations, and so on). Disc replacement surgery, decompression surgery, scoliosis surgery, and spinal fusion surgery are among the most common spine surgery operations. Let's look closer at the last mentioned one.
Simply put, spinal fusion is a procedure that joins two or more neighboring vertebrae to form a single, more solid, stable bone. Your spine surgeon will do this treatment by inserting a small bone fragment (or fragments) between the vertebrae they want to connect using a bone graft, frequently taken from your hip. Due to the lumbar spine's high level of wear and tear, this region of the spine is where these vertebrae are most frequently found. However, spinal fusion can be used to treat all levels of the spine.
Here are four awesome benefits of this surgical approach.
1. Improved stability
A comfortable range of motion requires spinal flexibility in a healthy environment. The spine can, however, occasionally move too much between two or more joints. This may result in issues like a bulging or ruptured disc. Spinal fusion reduces motion in the afflicted area by joining two nearby vertebrae. This strengthens the spine so it can support a typical physical load.
2. Usage of pain medicines
Back pain patients frequently require painkillers, whether they are stronger narcotics that their doctors have prescribed or over-the-counter analgesics, at least occasionally. Spinal fusion surgery may help you use fewer or even no more of these medications by assisting in the elimination of the pain source. Other prescribed medications, such as those used to treat nerve pain, may also be reduced or stopped altogether.
3. Lessening post-decompressive deformity
Post-laminectomy kyphosis, an aberrant alignment of the spine, can occur in some patients. Additionally, this often results in a subsequent surgery. Similar to that, a fusion can fix whatever abnormality the patient had before surgery and guarantee that the spine is once again aligned normally. This might lessen damage to the adjacent levels and the need for more surgery in the future.
4. Quick recovery
You can foresee spending one to three nights in the hospital after a spinal fusion treatment, but you'll be recommended to start walking the day after the operation. After surgery, physical therapy will start about six weeks later. In order to lessen the strain on the spine and lower the possibility of an adjacent segment issue, you will also be subject to lifting limits immediately following the treatment and for the rest of your life.
The bottom line
You may not be a good candidate for a spinal fusion even if you have scoliosis or another problem that the procedure can correct. Your chances of having a successful spinal fusion are decreased if you are smoking, cause it does not let your body heal itself effectively. Another problem is having back arthritis, a cause which could prevent your bones from correctly fusing. And obesity, since can impede the healing process and raise the risk of infection.
Sure, before this decision you need to schedule an appointment, at least, with your physician. It is way better to consult neurosurgeons or spine surgeons as well.