The Patient's Guide to Spinal Fusion

Last updated 2 months ago

Back pain may originate in the joints between adjacent vertebrae. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate motion in a painful vertebral joint, thus treating the corresponding pain. Your physician can tell you whether this surgical option is right for you and help you develop a personalized treatment plan.

Who Good Candidates Are:

Spinal fusion is a treatment option for patients suffering from joint-related back pain. The two most commonly treated conditions are degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis. Spinal fusion may also eliminate pain caused by a weakened or unstable spine, resulting from an injury, infection, tumor, or congenital deformity such as scoliosis.

What the Procedure Entails:

During spinal fusion surgery, a bone graft is used to connect two adjacent vertebrae. This prompts them to grow together over time into a single, immobile bone structure. The bone for the graft is obtained from one of three sources: bone from your own body (generally the hip), bone from cadavers, or a synthetic bone substitute. The graft is often held in place by a medical apparatus such as a metal screw or rod as it heals. You may also be instructed to wear a brace to keep your back positioned properly during recovery.

What Results Can Be Expected:

Spinal fusion surgery has the highest success rate in patients who are healthy and dedicated to pursuing physical therapy for rehabilitation after their procedure. In the months following your surgery, the bone graft will cause the affected vertebrae to fuse. Over time, your back pain will fade as you build up stabilizing muscle and learn to support your spine correctly during everyday activities.

If you’d like to find out if spinal fusion can treat your back pain, contact Dr. Jose Rodriguez of the Center for Laser Spine Surgery at (832) 532-4889. Dr. Rodriguez specializes in minimally invasive laser-assisted fusion procedures to eliminate pain related to joint movement of the spine. Visit our website to learn more about back pain and your laser surgery options in Houston, TX.