Back pain is one of the common problems that can affect your wellness and ability to carry out activities. Physical therapies and medications sometimes can fail to give positive results meaning the problem will continue to impact your life. Thankfully, advanced technology has played a significant role in the development of surgery, including spinal fusion that can help to remove pain. Many beneficiaries of Las Vegas spinal fusion have praised the surgery as an effective method in addressing spine concerns. Before considering the surgery, the following are important things your surgeon wants you to know about spinal fusion.
The Surgery Builds Larger and Healthier Bone
The surgery comprises perpetually using two bones together in the spine where bone grafting functions as the connector. In some cases, the vertebrae can rub themselves causing limited mobility. Alternatively, the vertebrae can rub with the muscles, ligaments, or nerves, causing massive pain and limited mobility. Your surgeon can fuse them to reduce the movement and develop a larger and healthier bone.
Spinal Fusion Comes with Risks
Similar to other surgeries, spinal surgeries come with some risks, although the chances of these risks are rare. Internal bleeding, infection, severe pain, blood clot, and nerve damage at the bone graft region are some problems linked to the surgery. Therefore you should talk to your doctor about the possible risks before considering this procedure.
Not Everybody Qualifies for Spinal Fusion
Before the surgery, your surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you are eligible for the surgery. For example, the practitioner conducts blood tests, X-rays, and overall health checkups. You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, Advil, and Motrin ten days before the surgery. Smoking also decreases the likelihood of surgery; thus, you should avoid it.
Strain and Risky Movements Can Affect Recovery
During the first weeks, lifting heavy objects can prolong the time for a full recovery. You can drive, but you should wear a neck brace to limit the capability to turn your head. You can gradually perform more intense activities and other competitive sports within a few months. You should, however, consult your surgeon about what you should expect from the procedure in the long term.
Spinal Fusion Cannot Heal the Entire Spine
After the fusion recovers, the fused levels should not lead to extra pain or need additional treatment in the future. However, if arthritis is the underlying issue, other spine levels can be impacted or wear out with time. Usually, your surgeon cannot prevent the natural development of arthritis in other areas. Luckily, the surgeon can treat unique regions of impairment and successfully remove symptoms.
Disability May Remain After Spinal Fusion
The procedure does not guarantee you a complete elimination of symptoms. Actually, the more non-invasive the surgery is like exercise or physical therapy, the fewer chances of disability. A study has shown that people who had undergone spinal fusion surgery were more likely to continue taking opioid painkillers after two years. Those who opted for physical therapy stopped taking painkillers and returned to normal work.
A bothersome spine can be a nightmare due to the severe pain it causes. If you have been struggling with a damaged spine, contact McNulty Spine, situated in Las Vegas, Nevada. The institution comprises award-winning and double board-certified surgeon Patrick S. McNulty offering cutting-edge surgery to repair your spine and eliminate pain. Call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule an online appointment today.
