Spinal fusion involves invasive treatment, and that is why people want to know if there are any permanent restrictions after spinal fusion. It is not surprising that people get scared of spinal fusion surgery because there are risks involved, like blood loss and nerve damage. Still, you will find spinal fusion surgery very beneficial because it can get you relief from chronic back pain.
However, when your case is severe, it is possible that you may have to live your life with permanent restrictions after spinal fusion surgery. Here, we will explain many details of spinal fusion, including its benefits, side effects, restrictions, and even alternatives.
Understanding The Treatment: What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion surgery is a common procedure used to treat conditions like scoliosis and deformities. In this surgery, the most tilted vertebrates are fused together to create a solid bone. Doctors attach rods to the spine with screws to hold it in place permanently.
The aim is to eliminate movement in the affected area and maintain a straighter spine. Also, it is an effective treatment, but doctors may recommend some short-term and permanent restrictions after spinal fusion surgery.
Due to this reason, many people ask: Is spinal fusion a permanent disability? Since doctors attach rods and screws to your spine, it can be an uncomfortable treatment for you, but you can live a normal life afterward. Moreover, you should know that it is a treatment that aims to improve your life’s quality by reducing pain.
Explore The Benefits Of Spinal Fusion Surgery
It is possible to face permanent restrictions after spinal fusion, but you can live a normal life without pain when the surgery is successful, and you can follow a strict recovery process. This is the best benefit you can ask for because when you suffer from conditions like scoliosis, it becomes very hard to live a normal life.
Thus, after spinal fusion, you are not stuck in one place because surgery gives you the freedom to move and do your usual activities. Also, when you complete the Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery process, you can return to your job and work as you normally do.
Moreover, many people have returned to playing their favorite sports after spinal fusion surgery. However, if your job or sport involves lifting heavy weights, then you may have to avoid them.
Are There Permanent Restrictions After Spinal Fusion?
You should know that when you go for spinal fusion surgery, rods are attached with screws to maintain stability during the fusion and healing process. Also, different people respond differently to this treatment, which depends on their age, health, and severity of the condition.
Thus, you may have to live with some permanent restrictions after spinal fusion surgery if you are too old and your condition is severe. However, you must have to follow short-term restrictions whether your condition is mild or severe.
Some Short-Term Restrictions After Spinal Fusion Surgery
After spinal fusion surgery, you have to be in the hospital for 2 days to one week, depending on your pain and other conditions. You will be in pain after the effects of anesthesia wear off from your body, and your doctor will prescribe painkillers for this. Further, you have to take the help of your family members or healthcare providers to stand and walk a bit for the first few days.
Since normal activities like walking are restricted after spinal fusion surgery, you can understand that you won’t be able to get involved in any type of daily activities. After a few days of your surgery, your physical therapist will guide you to start walking or stretching on your own. The full recovery process takes up to 2 years, but if everything is normal, then you can start doing your normal activities after 8 to 12 months.
What Can Be Permanent Restrictions After Spinal Fusion Surgery?
If the surgery is successful and you follow all the guidelines of your doctor for the healing process, then you can get back to your normal life. However, if you still experience back pain, adjacent segment diseases (degeneration of neighboring spine parts), muscle atrophy, or issues with nerves, then you may have to live with permanent restrictions after spinal fusion surgery. Also, your doctor may recommend revision surgery to further deal with your specific condition.
Also, you have to restrict numerous activities like certain bending and twisting motions, lifting objects, driving, and risky sports or activities. These are the everyday activities that you have to get involved with when you want to live a normal life. However, if your condition is worse, then you may have to live with these permanent restrictions after spinal fusion surgery.
What Are The Alternatives To Spinal Fusion Surgery?
If your pain is tolerable, then you can avoid spinal fusion surgery and go for non-surgical options. Thus, you can go for physical therapies that involve exercises and movements tailored to relieve back pain.
Also, you can modify your lifestyle choices, like losing weight, exercising gently, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Moreover, you can get help from chiropractors or massage therapists when your condition is mild, and you are looking for non-surgical options.
However, when you want other surgical options for spinal fusion, then there are many. Cervical disc replacement (CDR) is a great alternative, especially for neck issues.
Also, endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a small surgery that can manage your ongoing lower back and leg pain. Moreover, the intercept procedure is another choice that doesn’t need a cut and focuses on small nerves linked to pain from disc issues.
Final Words
Spinal fusion surgery has become compulsory for many people to get relief from chronic pain and other issues. Since doctors attach rods with screws in this process, many people get scared and look for other options. If your condition and pain are mild, then you can go for non-surgical options, as we have mentioned above.
Also, we have explained some short-term and permanent restrictions after spinal fusion surgery. Thus, if you want to avoid permanent restrictions, follow your doctor’s guidelines after surgery to heal yourself fully. Additionally, analyze your health conditions and ask yourself: do you really need spinal fusion surgery?
