Having back pain is a common manifestation and up to 80% of adults suffer from it at some point in life. Most often this can be relieved through non-conservative methods. But with severe debilitating pain, you can greatly benefit from a surgical intervention of the spine.
Glendale spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that provides relief from back and neck pain. It is usually performed to support and stabilize your spine.
Spinal fusion explained
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that reinforces your back and spine stability by linking or fusing two vertebrae together. The vertebrae support each other and aim to minimize pain. It also eases symptoms related to your spinal cord and nerves.
Spine surgeries like discectomy, or decompression surgery can destabilize your spine. Thus, spine fusion surgery helps overcome this problem.
Spinal fusion indications
A spinal fusion can treat pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. This surgical procedure is indicated to treat the following conditions:
- Congenital spine problems
- Herniated disc
- Infection in the spine
- Sciatica (pinched sciatic nerve)
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Spondylosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis
- Spine injuries and fractures
- Tumors in the spine
Spinal fusion types
There are several kinds of spinal fusion, namely:
- Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
- Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)
- Minimally invasive spinal fusion
Spinal fusion procedure
Spinal fusion surgeries vary based on which part of the spine is being treated and the kind of fusion recommended by your surgeon.
The procedure is as follows:
- Your doctor will administer general anesthesia and access your spine from the back, front, or side.
- Incisions are made based on the type of surgery. The open approach requires large incisions while the minimally invasive approach requires tint cuts.
- Your surgeon then removes the damaged disc and inserts a fusion cage into the spine.
- This supports the bone grafts inserted along the back and side of the vertebrae.
- The bone grafts connect the vertebrae above and below the space and promote new bone growth.
- The new bone permanently fuses the vertebrae.
- The procedure may take around 2 to 5 hours.
Spinal fusion recovery
Recovery post-spinal fusion can be accelerated through proper care. You may need to wear a protective brace for your spine. You will also be recommended to undergo physical therapy to strengthen your muscles and promote quick healing. Recovery may usually take around 4 to 6 weeks.
Final note
Spinal fusion surgery is an excellent procedure that is safe and can effectively relieve symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the body areas further down.
