Question 1

how could the spine bend after it's had fusions?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't: The goal of fusion is to get the bone of 2 adjacent vertebrae to grow together and thus stop the motion at that segment.  The segments above and below will take up some of the motion and you will be stiffer.  The reality, though, is that the majority of your bending motion comes from the hips rather than the spine and most patients don't notice a big difference after a 1 to 3 level fusion.

Question 2

fusion of the spine, what are other alternatives?

Accepted Answer

If there is: Instability or if you are developing  extremity motor deficits, not much for alternatives. However, if you have no instability and no weakness, then there are many. From physical therapy to acupuncture to epidurals and medication, there are many different routes to take. Discuss with an experienced pain physician about what options are appropriate for you and avoid surgery.

Question 3

is it possible spine fusion break down?

Accepted Answer

Spinal fusion: Yes it is possible for a spinal fusion to fail.  This possibility is best discussed with your surgeon to evaluate and to start proper treatment for your condition.

Question 4

how do i tell if spine fusion will work?

Accepted Answer

Fusion confusion: There are many reasons a spine fusion can be recommended.  For back pain, a fusion should only be considered as a last resort after all other options (PT, injections: facet joint, sacroiliac joint) have been performed and no relief has been achieved.   If you have slippage of a vertebrae (spondylolisthesis) or have fractured a vertebrae and the spine is unstable then fusion may be the best option.

Question 5

how long till i can bowl after spine fusion?

Accepted Answer

Bowling: Given the physical requirements for bowling such as trunk flexion and swinging of a heavy object in one arm, your fusion should be fairly well healed before return to this activity.  Lumbar fusions generally require 3 months for early signs of fusion that are needed for return to normal activity.

Question 6

i had spine fusion 1 year back .what exercise .shall i do ?

Accepted Answer

Isometrics: Depending on which level(s) of the spine were fused, i advise my patients to pursue core strengthening of those and adjacent levels thru isometric means and swimming.  Try to avoid repetitive impact to or around the fusion so as to slow adjacent level degeneration.

Question 7

i have degenrative spine l345 s1 i can't move at the end of the day, i'm 40 the pain is there every min of the day! would a fusion help?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Fusion for spine arthritis results are highly unpredictable. Spine degeneration is ubiquitous beyond the middle ages and there is no way to reliably determine in whom it is wholly responsible for lbp. There are countless other potential causes, contributing factors, and treatments. Doing a fusion without definitively isolated clinically significant pathology is analogous to "shooting blindly.".

Question 8

what should i expect with spine fusion surgery?

Accepted Answer

Spine Fusion: Lumbar fusion is more difficult to heal than cervical in most cases. More muscle is moved, so more soreness after. Minimally invasive techniques seem to be less painful and certainly are associated with less bleeding. Hospital stays are in the 2-3 day range for most lumbar fusions. Cervical fusion is usually outpatient or overnight. Arm pain gone quickly, sore throat for a couple days. Quick retrn.

Question 9

can loosening screws in spine fusion be dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The loose body can cause pain or become source of infection or could be asymptomatic

Question 10

how does a spine fusion surgery work for your spine?

Accepted Answer

Stability stops pain: The spine is made up of many moving parts, joints, ligaments, bones and disks.  When the parts become damaged, unstable or worn, movement becomes painful.  A spinal fusion takes the moving segments and makes them stiff by growing bone across them.  Once the movement stops, it's no longer painful.  You will lose some mobility and it is possible to develope problems at adjacent spinal levels.

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Doctor answers about:

Fusion on spine

A member asked:

How could the spine bend after it's had fusions?

A member asked:

Fusion of the spine, what are other alternatives?

A member asked:

Is it possible spine fusion break down?

A member asked:

How do i tell if spine fusion will work?

A member asked:

How long till i can bowl after spine fusion?

A member asked:

I had spine fusion 1 year back .what exercise .shall i do ?

A member asked:

I have degenrative spine l345 s1 i can't move at the end of the day, i'm 40 the pain is there every min of the day! would a fusion help?

A member asked:

What should i expect with spine fusion surgery?

A member asked:

Can loosening screws in spine fusion be dangerous?

A member asked:

How does a spine fusion surgery work for your spine?

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