Doctors often recommend spinal fusion surgery when pain associated with movement is thought to be the root of the problem. For example, this may occur in the case of an arthritic spine. Because surgery keeps affected areas of the spine from moving, this may eliminate pain.
In this process, surgery also reroutes the movement of the spine in general. Consequently, the areas above and below the fused vertebrae take on the stress of these changes. Experts say that this stress can speed up degeneration of these parts of the spine.
Risks of Spinal Fusion
Though spinal fusion is considered a safe procedure, it does come with risks. The Mayo Clinic says that some of these risks include infection, poor wound healing, bleeding, blood clots, injury to the blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine, and pain in the site where the bone graft is taken if grafting occurs.
There are a number of reasons why doctors may recommend spinal fusion surgery. According to Know Your Back, the most common of these are to correct a deformity in the spine, to alleviate pain due to motion, to treat a fractured vertebra, to treat instability and for cervical disc herniations.
One of the drawbacks of this surgery is the pain following the procedure. According to Know Your Back, “the immediate discomfort following spinal fusion is generally greater than with other types of spinal surgeries.” This can be frustrating for patients.
However, a number of pain medications and pain management options can be used to manage this discomfort. To combat pain, patients may be given prescription painkillers. In some cases, patients are even given a self-controlled pump to release medications for several days following surgery. By using this device, patients can choose when pain medication is administered by way of pressing a button.