Living with a weak, unstable or injured spine can make performing every day activities nearly impossible. In serious cases, spine injuries are completely debilitating for the individual. If you are experiencing pain due to spinal deformity or injury making the decision to undergo spinal fusion surgery might be the right choice for you.
What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion surgery permanently connects two or more vertebrae in your spine to improve stability, correct a deformity and reduce pain. When undergoing this type of spine surgery, doctors are eliminating motion between two or more vertebrae in your spine. Spinal fusion mimics the normal healing process of broken bones. During surgery, your surgeon will place bone or a material resembling bone within the space between two vertebrae. In some cases, metal plates, screws and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together so that during the healing process all the parts will heal into one solid unit.
Serious Injuries Treated
Your doctor may recommend spinal fusion surgery to treat the following problems:
1. Deformities of the Spine
Deformities of the spine, like scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, or kyphosis, an abnormal rounding of the upper spine, are greatly improved after undergoing spinal fusion surgery. In the case of scoliosis, rods or wires are attached to the curved part of the backbone to straighten the spine. Small pieces of bone are put over the spine, eventually growing together with the spinal bone, fusing it into the proper position. If undergoing surgery to correct kyphosis, your surgeon will use a bone graft or another biological substance to fuse the bone and spine together. The fusion will stop movement between the vertebrae, providing long-term stability.
2. Spinal Weakness or Instability
Spinal weakness or instability can be strengthened through this surgery as well. Reinforcing the spine through fusion surgery relieves pain, numbness and tingling sensations, as well as stopping or preventing abnormal motion in the spine. During surgery, the vertebrae are fused together, creating a more stable, healthy spine.
3. Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one bone in your back slides forward over the bone below it. The symptoms of spondylolisthesis are pain in your lower back or buttock, as well as tight or weak muscles in the legs that may lead to acquiring a limp. During the procedure, hardware like rods or wires are used to join and solidify the places where a spinal element has been damaged or removed.
4. Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside its normal position. During surgery, instrumentation and bone grafting are used to stabilize the spine.
5. Chronic Lower Back Pain
Chronic lower back pain is often the result of back or muscle strain, or other soft tissue strain. Older adults might be experiencing this type of pain due to joint degeneration or from a compression fracture.
Help from Experienced Spinal Surgeons
If you are experiencing lower back pain or suffer from deformities caused by scoliosis or kyphosis call ProMedSPINE for the best minimally invasive spinal surgery in Los Angeles today at (888) 639-0188 to schedule an appointment and begin your road to recovery.