The methods used to treat back pain and injuries, and to perform spine surgery when necessary, have come a long way in the last few decades. Minimally invasive spine surgery has now become the standard in treating a host of spine injuries and illnesses that once required traditional open back surgery, which often created a lot of complications and needed a lengthy recovery process.
What is Spinal Fusion and How Does it Work?
Board-certified neurologist and spine surgeon Dr. Todd Gravori and the team of experts at ProMedSPINE in Los Angeles perform spinal fusion surgeries to help patients suffering from chronic back pain and mobility issues, as a result of spinal conditions or injuries.
Spinal Fusion Surgery Can Be Used to Treat Several Spine Conditions
When the vertebrae (small bones) in the spine shift or move out of place as a result of trauma or a spinal condition like scoliosis, it can cause instability and movement in the spine and ultimately lead to chronic pain. By fusing (joining) the two vertebrae together with a bone graft, Dr. Gravori can treat the pain and instability caused by the free moving vertebrae. The bone graft works together with the body’s own healing mechanisms to help fuse and stabilize the vertebrae over a period of time after surgery.
The conditions most commonly treated by spinal fusion surgery include:
- Spondylolisthesis, retrolesthesis, anterolesthesis,
- Pars-fracture
- Scoliosis
- Spinal instability and spinal fractures.
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal tumors
- Infections
- Scheuermann’s Disease
Spinal Fusion Surgery is Usually Prescribed After Conservative Treatments Fail
Depending on the condition and individual patient, more conservative treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, and pain management medication may be prescribed at the first onset of symptoms. When conservative treatments fail to yield significant results, Dr. Gravori will explore more options for treatment, including whether spinal fusion surgery is the most appropriate course of action given the patient’s situation.
Recovering From Spinal Fusion Surgery
Individual recovery times and ability to return to strenuous physical activity will vary from patient to patient. The bone growth and progression of the fusion is monitored over several months throughout the first year after surgery. Typically, the first signs of healing begin to show after six weeks, with an initial recovery period of three to four months, after which patients may slowly begin to resume more strenuous physical activity depending on individual progress.
Contact ProMedSPINE Today
If you are suffering from chronic back pain or spinal instability, contact Dr. Gravori and the experts at ProMedSPINE in Los Angeles today at (888) 639-0188.
Next, read more about Possible Complications of DISCECTOMY (Part 1 of 2)