Disadvantages and advantages of spinal fusion

It is no secret that back problems are a significant issue. It is becoming too easy to develop conditions like arthritis, herniated discs, and more between stressful occupations and sedentary lifestyles. So it’s no surprise that many people with degenerative disc disease opt for less invasive treatments like pain medication or physical therapy before pursuing surgical options like spinal fusion. We will lay out all of the advantages and disadvantages of spinal fusion to help you decide if the procedure is correct for you.

Procedures Involved in Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is typically a two-step process. Your doctor will assess your condition, devise a treatment plan, and proceed with the actual surgery. Patients often go through physical therapy to strengthen their muscles and ligaments between these two stages.

There are a few different types of spinal fusion procedures:

1. The two most common procedures are lumbar fusion and cervical fusion. Lumbar fusion involves fusing the bones of your lower back, while cervical fusion involves soldering together the bones that run down the back of your neck. Depending on the spine condition you’re suffering from, your doctor may recommend a different type of spinal fusion.
2. If you have been diagnosed with a non-malignant disease or condition to repair your damaged disc, flexible spinal fusion surgery may be right for you.
3. Spinal fusion surgery is performed when the patient’s discs have degenerated to the point where discs in your spine are no longer cushions between the vertebrae (bones) but instead are herniated and bulging out of place, causing inflammation and pain. The bones in your back can no longer absorb shock as they should be doing.

Pros and Cons of Spinal Fusion

The procedure is relatively standard, with approximately 2.8 million spinal fusion surgeries every year in the United States. Almost half of all back surgeries are performed on patients suffering from degenerative disc disease. As a result, it’s no surprise that many people opt for spinal fusion rather than physical therapy or medication.

Advantages of Spinal Fusion

While spine surgery may seem scary and risky to many people, the benefits of spinal fusion far outweigh any potential complications. Spinal fusion helps alleviate degenerative disc disease and lower back pain while improving your ability to engage in your everyday activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• The first advantage of spinal fusion is that it can effectively deal with pain caused by misaligned vertebrae in the spine. This is because spinal fusion bears weight more evenly across your back, so there is less pressure on any one bone or bone pair. Patients who undergo spinal fusion often report reduced back pain that lasts for years after the surgery, and some patients say their pain decreases to near-zero levels.
• Another advantage of spinal fusion is that it can prolong your life. According to Spine-health.org, between 5-8% of patients who undergo spinal fusion live longer than the average patient. This is because spinal fusion takes the pressure off of joints in your spine, allowing them to move more naturally.
• The final advantage of spinal fusion is that it allows patients to engage in the activities they enjoy. Patients who undergo spinal fusion often report a return to high physical activity levels and overall independence.

Disadvantages of Spinal Fusion

While many patients might be tempted by the promise of reduced pain and better quality of life through spinal fusion, this procedure can also have several drawbacks. Because spinal fusion involves removing bone mass from your spine, you may experience some short-term and long-term problems as a result. Here are some of the most common disadvantages of spinal fusion.

1. The first disadvantage of spinal fusion is that it can cause serious complications. While these problems are often rare, they can affect your daily life in several different ways. The most common short and long term side effects include:
   • Shoulder drop: Spinal fusion causes the affected bone to lose bone density. As a result, your shoulder may drop down after you’re released from the hospital because it lacks adequate support.
   • Posterior instability: Patients who undergo spinal fusion may experience post-operative problems with their hip and knee resulting from weakened ligaments and muscles around their spine. This can cause your back and pelvis instability, leading to a lower back or hip problem.
   • Stenosis: Stenosis is bone degeneration and hardening after spinal fusion. This can lead to pain, deformity, and stiffness in your spine.
   • Degenerative disc disease: Spinal fusion can cause long-term problems with degenerative disc disease due to reduced blood flow to the discs. As a result, your discs may become weaker and more prone to injury.
   • Other complications: While spinal fusion complications are rare, they can occur and affect your daily life in various ways. The most common short and long-term side effects include pain, numbness, weakness, dizziness, muscle spasms, and insomnia.
2. The final disadvantage of spinal fusion is that it takes time to recover. The recovery process depends on how damaged the affected bone is, but it typically requires two to three weeks of physical therapy every day. Most patients will experience discomfort after spinal fusion for two months to six months.

Thus, it’s essential to consider all of the advantages and disadvantages of spinal fusion before you undergo this surgery. 

 Conclusion

If you have been diagnosed with a non-malignant disease or condition to repair your damaged disc, flexible spinal fusion surgery may be right for you. The benefits and drawbacks of spinal fusion are similar to those of other back surgeries. In general, the advantages ultimately outweigh the disadvantages. However, spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that should only be performed by a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has extensive experience performing this procedure. Do not attempt to achieve your spinal fusion surgery because you may end up with an unsafe outcome or an infection that could potentially be life-threatening. 

We look forward to helping you achieve the active and healthy lifestyle you deserve!

Stay Informed. Stay Healthy!