Sage-Tips

Can you live a normal life after spinal fusion?

Even people requiring bigger surgeries like spinal fusion are 90\% likely to return to work and stay at work long term. While most people recover from back pain through exercise and healthy lifestyles, those who require surgery can expect to return to work and “get their life back” too.

What are the long term effects of spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion is a major surgery where one or more of the spinal bones are fused together using screws, bolts, and plates. The long-term side effects of spinal fusion involve non-union, hardware failure, Adjacent Segment Disease, and spinal muscle injury. All can require additional surgery.

How long does it take to recover from major spine surgery?

It can take 6 months to a year for your backbone to heal. A laminectomy or discectomy removes a bit of tissue from the spine area. You may get better in 12 weeks. Whichever you had, care for your back after surgery usually follows the same general steps.

Does spinal fusion last forever?

The results of a fusion are permanent. When the bones fuse as intended, it changes the natural mobility of your spine, affecting the area around the surgical site and in various body parts as well.

Are spinal fusions worth it?

Results. Spinal fusion is typically an effective treatment for fractures, deformities or instability in the spine. But study results are more mixed when the cause of the back or neck pain is unclear. In many cases, spinal fusion is no more effective than nonsurgical treatments for nonspecific back pain.

Do spinal fusions last forever?

Why does my back hurt years after spinal fusion?

Implant Failure in Spine Surgery Therefore, spinal hardware (e.g. pedicle screws) may be used as an internal splint to hold the spine while it fuses after spine surgery. However, like any other metal it can fatigue and break (sort of like when one bends a paper clip repeatedly).

Is spinal fusion a disability?

If you have suffered from a spinal disorder that has resulted in you undergoing spinal fusion, but you are still unable to work, you may be eligible to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Can you feel the hardware after spinal fusion?

“If the hardware is prominent under the skin the patient may feel a painful bump,” Dr. Lieberman explains. “If the hardware loosens or is irritating the surrounding tissue and nerves, the patient may feel pain or may feel and hear crepitus—a crackling sound or popping sound.”

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