If you’re one of the 16 million Americans living with chronic low back pain, you know how it can affect your movement, sleep quality, and mood. While conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections are important first steps, they can’t always fix the underlying instability responsible for your symptoms.
At Northeast Ohio Spine Center, orthopedic surgeon Mark Grubb, MD, can help you decide if lumbar fusion is the right next step. He evaluates your symptoms and anatomy, creating a personalized care plan that offers real, lasting relief — whether or not that involves spinal surgery.
Daily discomfort doesn’t have to keep you from the activities you love. This month, we take a closer look at how lumbar fusion works to stabilize the spine and silence chronic lower back pain.
Spinal fusion is a surgical technique that joins two or more vertebrae to reinforce your spinal column. Lumbar fusion refers to procedures that address issues in the lower back, or lumbar spine. Cervical fusion deals with neck pain caused by problems in your cervical spine.
To create a permanent bond, Dr. Grubb grafts small pieces of bone or bone-like material to the spaces between the affected vertebrae. This stimulates the growth of new tissue, allowing the vertebrae to fuse together over time. He may also use metal screws and plates for additional stability.
Low back pain is considered chronic when it persists for 12 weeks or longer. When more conservative treatments have failed to provide relief, Dr. Grubb may recommend lumbar fusion if you’re dealing with chronic pain or disability caused by:
Before developing a surgical plan, Dr. Grubb reviews your medical history, performs a comprehensive physical exam, and orders X-rays or other diagnostic imaging to determine if you’re a candidate.
Symptoms that fail to improve with time and more conservative strategies suggest an underlying structural problem that requires surgery to correct. Here’s how lumbar fusion works to restore stability to your spine:
When damaged discs or joints allow vertebrae to shift out of place, they create constant friction, inflammation, and nerve irritation within the spine. Fusing the vertebrae into a single unit stops that excessive movement, essentially locking part of your spine into alignment.
Narrowing of the spinal canal — a condition known as spinal stenosis — puts constant pressure on the nerve roots, This results in chronic back pain and symptoms like numbness or tingling in your lower body.
While procedures like discectomy and laminectomy work to clear out any physical material pressing against the nerve, spinal fusion keeps the canal open, preventing further compression.
Spinal instability keeps the surrounding muscles in a state of constant tension as they try to compensate for the lack of support. By stabilizing the spinal column, fusion surgery allows your overworked back muscles to finally relax, which helps alleviate the deep tissue aches associated with spinal problems.
Whether you’re ready to discuss spinal fusion or want to explore other options, Dr. Grubb can help you reclaim a more active, pain-free life. Reach out online or by phone to schedule a consultation at Northeast Ohio Spine Center in Mayfield Heights, Ohio.
