Spinal fusion surgery is performed to stabilize the spine. It is major surgery with general anesthesia. It reinforces the back by linking two vertebrae together. Many times it is a last resort after other treatments have been tried and failed at providing relief. Let’s learn more about why you might need this surgery, and how long is the recovery for a spinal fusion?
Spinal Fusion Treatment
Spinal fusion surgery connects two vertebrae in the back to form an interlocking column to hold your body upright.
The surgical treatment is performed to correct the following conditions:
- Herniated, bulging, or slipped discs
- Congenital spine conditions from birth
- Infections in bones or soft tissues
- Pinched nerves in neck or lower back
- Scoliosis in adults or children
- Spondylolisthesis or lower back pain for slipping vertebra
- Spondylosis or crack between two vertebrae
- Spinal stenosis when space around the spinal column is too narrow
- Spinal fractures or injury caused by osteoporosis or trauma
A spine specialist with Texas Spine Associates may recommend spinal fusion if you have sharp pain in the back, legs, or buttocks. Other symptoms can include weakness or tingling in one or both legs, plus numbness in one or both legs.
Recovery From Spinal Fusion Surgery
During the surgery, your board-certified spine surgeon fuses the vertebrae permanently and places bone graft material between the vertebrae. Metal plates, rods, and screws may be used to hold together the vertebrae while the bone graft heals.
After spinal fusion surgery under general anesthesia, expect to remain in the hospital for several days. Recovery is a gradual process. Once home you will spend a few weeks recovering in bed and resting. Expect to still have pain and be on pain medication at first, but it will begin to subside as the weeks progress.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions and return to some activities as recommended. You may begin physical therapy at 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to increase range of motion and to strengthen your back and surrounding muscles. It could take 4 to 6 months to fully recover with a return to normal activities during this time.
Don’t hesitate to contact Texas Spine Associates if you sustain a fever higher than 100.4, redness, tenderness, or swelling, the chills, or any drainage from the wound site. Contact Texas Spine Associates if you would like an evaluation of your back pain and find out if a spinal fusion might be helpful. Give us a call at (972) 987-0969 or request an appointment through our secure online form. We have spine clinics in Arlington, Cleburne, Fort Worth, Flower Mound, Granbury, Irving, North Irving, Southlake, and Weatherford.
Sources: Recovering from Spinal Fusion Surgery | Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (ibji.com)
Fusion | National Spine Health Foundation
Spinal Fusion: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Recovery (clevelandclinic.org)