Spinal fusion is a surgical method or a welding process that corrects the spinal problem by fixing the small bones in it. The basic idea is to fuse together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. Here, they basically fuse two or more spinal bones or vertebrae into one solid bone. Having a brief idea about the spine can help in better understanding the process of spinal fusion.
| Spine or the backbone is one of the most critical parts of the body that runs from the base of the skull to the pelvis. It is generally divided into three main parts, namely, the neck, thoracic, and lumbar regions(1). The spine also three main functions, and they are as follow:
The spine forms an “S” shape when viewed from the side, and the curved shape is known to support the spine in withstanding stress with an even distribution of body weight. Cervical Spine or Neck Region – Contains seven vertebrae, wherein the first two help in the neck movement. It is also a first curve that is slightly bent inwards and gives out a “C” shape. Alongside protecting the spinal cord, the cervical spine is also known to protect the skull and give structure to the neck. Thoracic Spine – It consists of 12 vertebrae and bends outwards that gives a “C” shape. The thoracic spine helps in holding the rib cage and protecting the lungs and heart. Lumbar Spine or Lower Back – In general, it contains five vertebrae; however, some people may also have six of them. The lumbar spine is the largest vertebral region that bears most of the body’s weight. The sacrum is a region below the lumbar spine, which is made of several vertebrae, but they fuse in the fetus stage itself (in the womb). |
Similar to other body regions, the spine or vertebrae may be damaged due to injuries or various health conditions. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondylitis are common health conditions that may affect the spine. Various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, including syphilis and tuberculosis, can damage the spine.
The two most common spinal injuries are dislocations and fractures. It may happen due to numerous reasons.
Below listed are a few common ones:
These injuries may become a huge problem and also require immediate attention.
Most of the symptoms of spinal injury are visible. They are:
In rare cases, when the injury is grave, which may also damage the spinal cord and can cause paralysis.
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As mentioned in the beginning, spinal fusion is a surgical process that joins two or more vertebrae into a single one. The primary goal of this surgery is to stop the unnecessary movement between two bones and prevent any complications. It also helps in avoiding any damage or discomfort to the muscles, nerves, and ligaments.
During this surgical process, the surgeon may place bonelike materials like metal plates, screws, or rods that hold the vertebrae and help in recovering from the damage.
Advanced medical technology is enabling surgeons to perform spinal fusion with minimal invasion with smaller cuts or incisions. However, it may also depend on the severity or length of the condition.
Spinal fusion, like other surgical procedures, may require some testing where the surgeon may test for specific health conditions to avoid any complications during and post-surgery. Below listed are a few such measures:
Spinal fusion basically eliminates unwanted or unnecessary motion between two vertebrates. It helps in mitigating the effect of the damaged spine by preventing stretching of nerves, ligaments, and muscles surrounding it. The surgeon may also suggest spinal fusion if the bones are putting extra pressure on the spinal nerves.
Spinal fusion may also help in improving stability, correcting deformities, reducing pain, or other associated symptoms. Other conditions where spinal fusion may help are:
Spinal surgery is also highly beneficial to people who may be suffering from bulging or a ruptured disk, bone spur, and spinal nerves or muscles that are under chronic stress or pressure.
Spinal fusion may limit the motion, but in majority cases, it is performed only on small segments, so the limitation may be minimal.
STEM cell therapy is also growing in prominence and is considered one of the best alternative approaches for spinal fusion. It can also help in reducing back pain, improving disc hydration, calming inflammation, reducing the stress, and alleviating the overall condition. The therapy can be very beneficial to athletes or sports-persons who want to get back to normal life and participate in their usual sports activities.
In some cases, where the injury is minor, or the damage is minimal or not progressive, the surgeon may first suggest alternative treatments. These therapies or treatments can play a significant role in the early stages and prevent complications that can treat the condition before needing spinal fusion.
It uses hands to manipulate, adjust, or stimulate the spine. The treatment is known to provide quick relief and also alleviate any abnormalities or deformities in the spine. Note: It is not safe for those suffering from spinal infections, conditions such as arthritis, spinal cord problems, or those who may have fractures or broken vertebrae.
If the person is suffering from scoliosis, a back brace may be the first recommendation by a surgeon before going for spinal fusion. It can help in correcting the posture and inhibiting any deformities.
Before going for spinal fusion, doctors may also suggest certain medications that can reduce inflammation, pain or any health condition that may be triggering or bothering the spine.
A healthy diet can prevent or mitigate the effects or inhibit the progress of inflammation or calcium deficiency that may otherwise cause chronic spine problems in the future. Obesity is also another health condition that may cause spine problems.
Hence, if you have spine problems, check, consult a doctor to find the core problem, and then check if diet can help in mitigating the effects or inhibiting the progress.
It is a technique wherein the practitioner inserts tiny needles to regulate specific energy channels or points that can help in improving the blood circulation. It can also help in easing the stiffness or stress in the muscles, which could be affecting the spine.
Acupressure is another similar approach that uses pressure instead of needles.
It involves specific exercises and stretches suggested by licensed practitioners. These can help in relieving the tension, strengthening the muscles and bones, enhancing the flexibility of the spine, and also improving the support to the spine.
The therapy can also play a significant role in reducing the pain and exhibiting a soothing effect.
Depending on the health condition, progress, any reactions, doctors may release the patient within a few days after the surgery. In the beginning, the doctor may suggest certain exercises to ease the pain, strengthen the back, and improve flexibility. You should practice them as recommended by the surgeon or under the guidance of a physical therapist.
The doctor may suggest medications to mitigate the pain, fight any infections, reduce inflammations, and also enrich the healing process. Make sure that you are regular on these medications and do not skip them at any cost.
The body needs it as they are the primary building blocks of muscles and also strengthen them and improve necessary healing. They may also help the antibodies which fight the infections.
Use them as they help in supporting the spine as it heals. Make sure to use it for the time period suggested by the doctor or a physical therapist. The fusion process of the spine may take around 6 weeks, and so it is wise to use it for that period.
Ice packs can help in alleviating the inflammation or pain, while heat packs can help in improving the circulation.
You can use a grabber which can help in picking up items without bending or stretching your back.
Use a recliner sofa to sit with legs raised and upper back propped up. It can help in easing the discomfort. If you do not have a recliner, you may also use pillows.
Ask your surgeon or a physical therapist for the best sleeping or resting positions.
It can help in easing the stress & tension, improving blood circulation, which can, in turn, help in augmenting the healing process. Note: Make sure to check with your doctor before undergoing a massage therapy and also make sure to get it only by a licensed practitioner.
There are specific precautionary measures that a person must take post-surgery to avoid any complications. Following these methods, in general, can also inhibit any triggers of spinal damage or injuries.
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The advanced technologies can limit any complications.
However, in some cases, it may lead to complications which are listed below:
Even in such conditions, the patient may be put under observation wherein the doctors can alleviate the conditions through medications or surgeries if required.
The spine is the most important part of the body that protects the vital organs and also supports the body posture.
However, some health conditions or injuries may damage the spine. In the early stages of infections or health conditions and minor injuries, alternate therapies or treatments can help in mitigating the spinal damage. However, in severe cases where there is a severe blow to the spine or severe damage, spinal fusion may be the only option.
Spinal fusion surgery can take anywhere between 2 hours to 7 hours, or even longer. It depends on the number of vertebrae fixes, the condition of the vertebrates, or any damage to the surrounding muscles, nerves, or the ligaments.
The pain may usually last for the first four weeks after surgery. However, it can be mitigated with medications and physical therapies.
The spinal fusion success rate is around 80%, where the patients are happy and see an improvement. Spinal fusion can bring back the spine to the normal condition it used to be. But, it can be very close, which improves mobility, flexibility and also reduces the pain which could otherwise be associated with the damaged spine.