In most cases, back pain can be alleviated through conservative treatments, especially when it is caused by soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains. However, chronic back pain that does not respond to noninvasive treatments could indicate a structural problem in the spine. Such a case might require surgical procedures like spine fusion for lasting relief. Let’s run through the top 7 benefits of getting a Las Vegas spinal fusion for your back pain.
What Is Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion surgery is a surgical procedure performed to restore stability to the spine by fusing vertebrae together. Depending on the severity of the damage, your doctor may connect two or more vertebrae on your back together. The procedure prevents vertebrae movement, which tends to stretch the surrounding nerves, connective tissue, and muscles. It can range from a simple one-level fusion to fusing the base of the head to the neck, otherwise called occipitocervical fusion.
Why Should You Get Spinal Fusion?
As a treatment, spinal fusion is very effective and is often recommended for patients with chronic back pain where conservative treatments have failed. The benefits of this procedure include:
1. Eliminates Instability
Vertebrae are naturally designed to move without affecting the surrounding soft tissue. However, when a problem arises in your back, they could rub against each other and irritate your muscles and nerves, causing instability and pain. As mentioned, spinal fusion eliminates the movement between vertebrae and its effect on surrounding muscle and nerves. Spinal instability increases your risk of complications like soft tissue compression and fractures. Spinal fusion eliminates this risk by stabilizing your spine.
2. Relieves Pain
Spinal fusion can create more space around your spiral line and relieve the irritation and pressure exerted on surrounding tissue. This can bring long-lasting back pain relief, which is the most obvious benefit of this procedure. In fact, spinal fusion surgery is the go-to treatment for chronic pain patients who cannot seem to get rid of their pain any other way.
3. Reduces Deformity
Spine fusions surgery can correct or reduce the appearance of spinal deformities. By strengthening, straightening, and stabilizing your spine, the procedure ensures proper alignment while promoting natural, pain-free back movements.
4. Minimally-Invasive Treatment
Thanks to technological developments in the field of medical surgery, spinal fusion is a minimally-invasive treatment. When performed by a professional, you should experience very little pain and tissue damage. You should also have a faster recovery.
5. Versatile Treatment
While it is not usually the first treatment prescribed for back pain, spinal fusion has proven successful in treating several issues. It can be used to address herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and vertebral fractures, among other conditions.
6. Facilitates Return to Activities
Conditions like herniated discs can cause such immense pain that the patient is unable to engage in activities they once enjoyed. Spinal fusion can help restore your independence and pain-free mobility, allowing you to participate in previously avoided physical activities.
7. High Success Rates
The success of any surgical procedure will depend on several factors relating to the patient’s medical history and physician’s experience. Generally, however, spinal fusions surgeries have a very high success rate.
Contact McNulty Spine Today
If you are experiencing excruciating back pain and treatments like medication, physical therapy, and acupuncture are not helping, you should discuss spine fusion with a professional. Patrick S. McNulty, MD, FABSS, FABOS, or McNulty Spine, is an award-winning double board-certified spine specialist with years of experience performing this surgery. Call his office today or schedule an appointment online to get started.
