When Spinal Fusion Surgery May Be Needed

Whether you have injured your back in a car accident or while working on a construction site, you may be faced with a difficult decision. Should you opt for back surgery or continue with your current treatment? Many people find themselves wondering if spinal fusion is the best option.

According to MayoClinic.com, if your back pain is the result of motion between segments of your vertebrae, then spinal fusion may help stop the pain. Spinal fusion surgery permanently connects two or more vertebrae together.

Originally, spinal fusion surgery was intended for scoliosis and other deformities of the spine. However, nowadays, spinal fusion is used to treat chronic low back pain. It is estimated that the number of spinal fusion surgeries has more than doubled since 1993.

Your doctor will conduct special tests to determine if you are a candidate of spinal fusion. Based on the test results and your medical records, your doctor will make his or her recommendation regarding surgery. Many doctors want to see patients exhaust their non-surgical options first.

If you choose to have spinal fusion surgery, you will be looking at spending several days in the hospital. It can take many months to heal from this procedure, depending on your age and overall health. The earliest recovery is six weeks, which is similar to that of a broken bone.

Keep in mind that spinal fusion may limit some of your flexibility. You will have to learn the appropriate way to move, sit, stand and even walk. Physical rehabilitation is therefore a must following this procedure.

If your back injury or pain was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as in a car accident, motorcycle accident, construction accident, slip and fall or other traumatic event, you may be able to pursue compensation. This type of injury and the surgery that follows can significantly impact your life. Contact an experienced accident attorney in Manhattan or Long Island at the law firm of Rappaport, Glass, Greene and Levine today at 800.734.9445 for more information.