Spinal Fusion Surgery in Houston

The human spine is remarkably flexible, thanks in part to the articulated joints that allow vertebrae to move. However, that freedom of motion can turn into a curse instead of a blessing if it causes you intense, chronic back or neck pain. That’s when you should look into the option of spinal fusion surgery in Houston.

What Is a Spinal Fusion?

A spinal fusion involves the immobilization of two or more vertebrae. Spinal specialists perform this surgery to alleviate severe pain that occurs whenever the vertebrae move. A combination of bone grafting and metal hardware fuses the vertebrae to each other, permanently preventing any motion between them. You may not have much flexibility as you had before, but your pain should be greatly reduced if not gone. A typical fusion only involves a small area of the spinal column, leaving the rest free to move.

In the past, spinal fusion surgery required open procedures featuring large incisions and the cutting of muscle tissue. Today’s minimally-invasive fusion procedures significantly reduce the size and number of incisions while making it unnecessary for the surgeon to cut through muscles. As a result, you can experience less postoperative pain and heal from the procedure more rapidly.

Why Might You Need Spinal Fusion Surgery?

A number of spinal ailments can create agonizing pain whenever the affected vertebrae move. Examples of such conditions include:

• A fractured vertebra that cannot heal normally on its own.
• Degenerative wear and tear that damages the vertebral joints and discs.
• A forward vertebral shift known as spondylolisthesis.

Some of these problems may respond to non-surgical treatment. Doctors will usually recommend that you try options such as steroid injections, physical therapy, or medication before resorting to surgery. If none of those options provide relief, spinal fusion surgery may make good sense.

What to Expect From Spinal Fusion Surgery

Before you undergo spinal fusion surgery, your doctor will evaluate your spine carefully to locate the exact origin of your pain. A cervical spinal problem may require incisions in the throat, the side of the neck, or the back of the neck. A lumbar spinal problem may require access through either the back or the abdomen.

Next, the surgeon will implant a bone graft between the vertebrae that need fusing. The graft material may consist of your own bone harvested from elsewhere in your body, natural donor bone, or an artificial substance. Over time, the graft will heal into a solid mass. To prevent any joint motion during the healing process, your surgeon will also implant metal plates mated to the bone with screws. This metal hardware remains in your body permanently.

Spinal fusion surgery can take a few hours to complete, after which you’ll stay in the hospital for a few days. Medication should help you manage your postoperative pain. Your surgical team will assign therapists to instruct you on how to perform basic tasks of daily living during the healing process without hurting yourself.

Recovery from any major spinal surgery takes patience. You can expect your surgery to require up to a year of healing time, although you may be able to return to some of your routines after the six-month mark. You’ll need to visit your surgeon several times for follow-up exams to ensure that everything is healing properly.

Let NW Surgery Help You

You can optimize your chances for successful spinal fusion surgery in Houston by relying on the surgeons at NW Surgery. We have a world-class team of pain management specialists and orthopedic surgeons in Houston who work in our facilities. We also offer the latest in minimally-invasive surgical techniques that make your procedure as comfortable and easy to heal from as possible.

Our state-licensed organization takes great pride in serving Houston patients with their orthopedic issues since 1999. We strongly believe that everyone deserves top-quality care at competitive prices, including those lacking health insurance. If you do have insurance, you’ll appreciate the fact that we’re in-network with most major providers.

Contact Our Spinal Specialists Today

When spinal fusion surgery in Houston seems like your best option for ridding yourself of severe neck or back pain, you can get the world-class treatment you need at NW Surgery. Contact us today, and let us pair you with the perfect spinal specialist for your procedure.