Back pain is one of the most common physical complaints worldwide and is the leading cause of disability. Not all back problems call for surgery, but if you’ve been dealing with chronic spinal pain that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications, lumbar fusion spine surgery could be the solution.
By fusing two or more vertebrae together, the procedure minimizes movement at the painful segment, stabilizing the spine and reducing pain.
At Coastal Ortho in Southern California, our team of spinal experts use lumbar fusion to address degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis — conditions that can cause severe pain, numbness, or weakness. We also suggest lumbar fusion if your spinal instability is causing chronic pain or nerve compression.
If you’re considering lumbar fusion surgery, we’re here to help you navigate the procedure from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect.
Before your procedure, we run several tests, such as blood tests, X-rays, or an MRI. We also give you specific instructions about medications and dietary restrictions.
It’s a good idea to plan for your recovery period, too, as you’ll be limited in what you can do physically. Arrange for someone to assist you at home, stock up on essentials so you won’t need to run errands in your early recovery phase, and consider organizing help for household chores or childcare if necessary.
On the day of the surgery, we admit you to the hospital and prep you for the operation.
Once you’re sleeping soundly under general anesthesia, our experienced surgeon makes an incision in your back to access the spine and remove any damaged discs or bone fragments causing nerve compression.
Next, the surgeon places bone grafts between the vertebrae that need to be fused. These grafts can be sourced from your body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). We may also use rods or screws to stabilize your spine while your bones fuse.
The entire procedure usually takes several hours, and we monitor you closely throughout the operation. Once the procedure is complete, we move you to a recovery area where you can rest as you wake from anesthesia.
As with all surgeries, recovery from lumbar fusion surgery is a gradual process, so be patient.
Expect to spend a few days in the hospital. This is the best environment for you immediately following surgery because we can manage your pain, monitor your progress, and start your physical therapy.
Once you’re home, your focus shifts to regaining strength and mobility, and you continue with physical therapy sessions. We let you know what you can and can’t do in order to protect the fusion site, such as avoiding heavy lifting or twisting movements.
Recovery can take several months, but following our post-op instructions to the letter helps you heal faster and avoid setbacks.
If you’re considering lumbar fusion surgery, call your nearest Coastal Ortho office in Torrance or El Segundo, California, to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. We can help you determine whether the procedure is right for you — and provide the most advanced care possible should you choose to have it.