If you’ve been told you might need spinal fusion, you probably have a lot of questions; maybe even some worries. Spinal fusion is a type of back surgery that joins two or more bones in your spine to prevent movement and reduce pain. Fixation, which often includes screws, rods, or plates, helps hold those bones in place while they heal. Even with over 400,000 spinal fusions performed each year in the United States, it’s a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Continue reading to learn what spinal fusion and fixation surgery involves, when it’s typically recommended, what recovery looks like, and where to find the best spinal fusion surgeon in Los Angeles.
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that connects two or more vertebrae in your spine, allowing them to heal into a single, solid piece. The goal is to stop painful movement between the bones, which can happen if there’s damage from injury, arthritis, or other spinal conditions. To keep the bones stable while they fuse, surgeons use special hardware like screws, rods, cages, or metal plates in a process known as fixation. These tools act like an internal brace, giving your spine the support it needs to heal properly.
When Is Spinal Fusion Necessary?
Fusion doesn’t just help alleviate pain; it can also prevent the problem from worsening by protecting your spinal cord and nerves, and by stopping further deformity or collapse in the spine. Conditions that can be treated with a spinal fusion include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal instability
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Fractures
- Degenerative disc disease
Before resorting to surgery, most people try non-surgical options first, like physical therapy, steroid injections, or medications. But when those stop working or the pain keeps getting worse, surgery is usually the next step.
What Are the Risks and Benefits of Getting a Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion surgery has both benefits and potential risks, and it’s important to weigh both when deciding whether it’s right for you. The main advantage is spinal stability. By fusing the bones together, the spine becomes more solid, which can ease chronic pain. It can also help correct spinal deformities and, in some cases, improve mobility by reducing nerve irritation or spinal instability.
However, like any surgery, there are possible risks. These include infection, blood clots, hardware problems like screws or rods breaking, and a condition called adjacent segment disease, where nearby parts of the spine wear out faster. There's also a chance that the bones won’t fully fuse, a complication known as pseudoarthrosis. Yet, many patients feel that the benefits outweigh the risks, with most patients reporting reduced pain and an improved quality of life after healing.
How Do I Know If Spinal Fusion Surgery is Right for Me?
Knowing whether you’re a candidate for spinal fusion surgery starts with a full evaluation by a spine specialist. They’ll ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and review your medical history to understand what’s causing your pain or instability. Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs play a big role. They show your surgeon what’s happening inside your spine and whether fusion might help.
Another factor in your candidacy for spinal fusion is your overall health and lifestyle. Smoking, obesity, or conditions like osteoporosis can slow down healing or increase the risk of complications.
What Is the Recovery Process Like After Spinal Fusion?
Recovering from spinal fusion surgery takes time, but knowing what to expect can make the process feel more manageable:
- Most people stay in the hospital for two to four days after surgery, during which pain is closely managed and movement is limited to help protect the healing spine.
- Once home, recovery continues slowly, and you’ll likely start physical therapy within a few weeks.
- Physical therapy begins gently and gradually increases to help rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and support the fused area.
- Everyone heals at their own pace, but it typically takes six months to a full year for the bones to completely fuse and for you to return to your regular activities.
Alternatives to Spinal Fusion Surgery
Surgery may not be needed right away if your pain is under control and there’s no sign of nerve damage or worsening instability. Physical therapy, chiropractic care, spinal injections, pain medications, and even back bracing can all help reduce symptoms and improve function, especially when the condition isn’t too advanced. In some cases, less invasive surgical techniques may be a better fit, such as artificial disc replacement, which preserves some natural movement in the spine, or decompression surgery to relieve pressure on nerves without requiring bone fusion.
Finding the Best Spinal Fusion Surgeon in Los Angeles
When you're facing the possibility of spinal fusion or fixation, the stakes are high, and so is the need for a neurosurgeon who brings unmatched precision, skill, and compassion to the table. At California Neurosurgical Specialists, Dr. Benet leads with an elite blend of advanced training, global experience, and a patient-first philosophy that’s hard to find elsewhere.
As the Director of Vascular Neurosurgery at Los Robles Medical Center, Dr. Benet brings a meticulous, minimally invasive approach to spinal stabilization procedures, helping patients regain function while minimizing downtime. We use the most advanced imaging and surgical tools to ensure your spine gets the support it needs to heal properly and safely.
Whether you’re in Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita, Santa Barbara, Simi Valley, Las Vegas, or even Hawaii, our practice is built to serve you with concierge-level care and a surgical plan tailored to your exact needs.
Ready to get lasting relief from back pain with help from the best spinal fusion surgeon in Los Angeles?
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