Spinal Fusion Usage

Spinal fusion is a procedure that joins two bones (vertebrae) in the spinal column together to eliminate pain caused by movement. This, and any other surgery, is a major procedure and should only be...

Read more about Low Back Pain and Sciatica and Spinal Fusion.

To treat persistent pain and disability caused by:

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal the spinal cord runs through)
• Spinal injury
• Spondylolisthesis (vertebra is out of line with the others)
• Scoliosis (abnormal curve in the spine)
• Weak or unstable spine, usually due to infection or tumors
• Herniated disk

Spinal fusion may be done if the treatments below do not relieve pain and disability:

• Rest
• Pain medicines
• Muscle relaxants
• Physical therapy
• Injection of drugs to relieve pain and swelling
• Massage
• Bracing
• Behavior change therapy

Imaging tests must also show a problem that can be fixed with this procedure.