Question 1

im 27 what are the pros&cons of having or not having a suggested fusion and l&r laminectomy i am worried about failed fusion and repeating the surgery?

Accepted Answer

As last resort: You should only consider this surgery if: you do not smoke, are not obese, not out of shape , have failed non op treatment ( physical therapy, time, medication, pain management ) and have pain that affects your lifestyle such that you cannot adapt to it and there is corresponding imaging evidence of a problem that has a good chance of success for surgery.  You should also get a second opinion.

Question 2

what are some good suggested exercises for a post lumbar fusion?

Accepted Answer

Core Strengthening: Once you've had a lumbar fusion it is a good idea to get in an organized program of physical therapy  to help you with core strengthening.  Once you've learned these exercises to stretch and strengthen your core you can do them on your own at home.  This will help take the load off of your spine and promote recovery.

Question 3

what do you suggest if i am 17 yrs old and have been put in for spinal fusion and want to know what to expect after the operations.?

Accepted Answer

Spinal fusion: Spinal fusion in a 17 year old is quite rare unless you were born with a birth injury or congenital problem. There are many questions you should ask about especially what are the results expected, potential limitations in the movement of the lower spine in the sense of bending and lifting.

Question 4

i've taken norco's for years, i don't want the fusion surgery suggested, and my insurance wont cover injections, i need stronger medication?

Accepted Answer

See a pain dr: There are many other pain medication options, including lyrica, (pregabalin) gabapentin, fentanyl, etc.  See a pain management doctor to discuss what might be best for you if you don't want injections.

Question 5

what do you suggest if i am 17 yrs old and i have to have spinal fusion l5/s1 within the next 3 months, what should i expect ?

Accepted Answer

Think twice: Get second opinion.Make sure you understand the full risk and benefit of 
your surgery.Yoy sound too young to have any kind of surgery.

Question 6

my doctor has suggested that i have aspine fusionin my lower spine. how will this affect my ability to bend over?

Accepted Answer

Depends: A patient's residual lumbar motion after fusion depends on the number of levels fused.  Most of a patient's functional bending happens through the hip joints.  The lumbar spine is responsible for the majority of twisting and this will be limited proportionally to the number of levels fused.

Question 7

i am 17, a male ,and only around 5''5.5 in height.can i take anastrazole to delay my epiphyseal fusion and gain few more inches(2 or 3)?? please suggest me the dosage and for how many years i would continue? (i had hypothyroidism but not anymore?

Accepted Answer

: Do you mean anastrozole? If yes, I wonder who gives you told you about taking this medication for delaying the epiphyseal fusion.
Please do not do that.

Question 8

how much pain must i endure before proceeding with surgery for a cervical fusion? i had a cervical fusion 8-10 yrs ago and am having severe pain again. x-ray and mri suggest need for another fusion. how much pain must i endure before proceeding with surge

Accepted Answer

That : That depends on you.  Many people prefer to have surgery and get rid of the pain, but some people prefer to suffer and avoid surgery.  I would discuss it with your primary care doctor and your spine surgeon.  Good luck!

Question 9

i have been to several doctors for back pain they all suggest spinal fusion went to neurologist she said i should put spacers and which one is better?

Accepted Answer

put off surgery: In general surgery is the last resort.  I will hope you have tried the pain management specialist.  The old surgical fusion is to fuse your spine at various levels which they feel might be causing your pain.  In addition to fusion they can put in vertebral disc spaces.  I would strongly suggest you obtain several opinions and perhaps speak to other patients to get their experience as well.

Question 10

i have a osteophytes on  c5 & c6, occluding right neural foramen 50 %. neurosurgeon suggest cervical fusion. can it be done posterior?

Accepted Answer

Yes but: More painful and leaves a degenerative motion segment behind to hurt later and collapse further the post vs anterior study had been done anterior had better outcomes and leaves post neck muscles unaffected they are both good options for relief of arm pain, let surgeon pick. The acdf also can restore spacing and vertical height to the foramen the spurs are in front of the nerve root mostly.

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Doctor answers about:

When is a fusion suggested

A member asked:

Im 27 what are the pros&cons of having or not having a suggested fusion and l&r laminectomy i am worried about failed fusion and repeating the surgery?

A member asked:

What are some good suggested exercises for a post lumbar fusion?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if i am 17 yrs old and have been put in for spinal fusion and want to know what to expect after the operations.?

A member asked:

I've taken norco's for years, i don't want the fusion surgery suggested, and my insurance wont cover injections, i need stronger medication?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if i am 17 yrs old and i have to have spinal fusion l5/s1 within the next 3 months, what should i expect ?

A member asked:

My doctor has suggested that i have aspine fusionin my lower spine. how will this affect my ability to bend over?

A member asked:

I am 17, a male ,and only around 5''5.5 in height.can i take anastrazole to delay my epiphyseal fusion and gain few more inches(2 or 3)?? please suggest me the dosage and for how many years i would continue? (i had hypothyroidism but not anymore?

A member asked:

How much pain must i endure before proceeding with surgery for a cervical fusion? i had a cervical fusion 8-10 yrs ago and am having severe pain again. x-ray and mri suggest need for another fusion. how much pain must i endure before proceeding with surge

A member asked:

I have been to several doctors for back pain they all suggest spinal fusion went to neurologist she said i should put spacers and which one is better?

A member asked:

I have a osteophytes on c5 & c6, occluding right neural foramen 50 %. neurosurgeon suggest cervical fusion. can it be done posterior?

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