Spinal fusion has long been the go-to answer to spinal conditions and severe back pain. But, with advances in medical technology, spinal experts now consider it a last resort – the treatment you try when all else has failed. The reason for this is that, in addition to being a risky surgery, spinal fusion does not produce consistent results. A failed spinal fusion can also only be fixed by more surgery. So, if you are having spinal issues, it may help first to give these alternative treatments a try.
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When Is a Spinal Fusion Necessary?
It is important to point out that, while invasive, spinal fusion remains a viable treatment for some spinal conditions. Spinal fusion is done to eliminate motion in the injured part of the spine, which, in turn, eliminates pain. Usually, your surgeon removes one or two discs from the affected region and replaces them with a bone graft or implant secured with screws.
There are four situations where a spinal fusion is necessary. These include when the patient has a spine deformity such as kyphosis or scoliosis that must be corrected or when they have experienced a trauma-induced spinal dislocation or fracture. Spinal fusion is also used to treat tumors and excessive instability in the spine, particularly after another back surgery.
Grey Ares and Alternatives
Nonetheless, spinal fusion is not always necessary. Depending on your symptoms and their severity, your spinal expert may recommend other more appropriate treatments, such as:
Discseel® Procedure
The Discseel Procedure is a revolutionary non-surgical approach to back pain that involves injecting a specialized adhesive into the affected spinal discs. Your provider uses a specialized needle to target the inflamed or injured discs and deliver an adhesive designed to bond strongly with your tissue. The adhesive acts as a sealant, mending fissures and tears within the disc and preventing leakage. Because it is minimally invasive, Discseel eliminates the need for general anesthesia and incisions. You can usually resume regular activity within a few days of your procedure.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
If your back pain is less severe, your specialist may recommend active physical therapy and exercise, often coded as PT modifier, indicating the specific type and intensity of therapy provided. This non-invasive treatment involves movements designed to improve endurance, flexibility, and strength in your shoulders, hips, and backs. According to research, strengthening and stabilizing these muscles can help relieve your back pain over time.
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI’s)
Physical therapy may not do much for your back pain if it is caused by compressed nerves. Conditions like stenosis, herniated discs, and bulging discs can create pressure in your spine and compress the nerves in your lumbar region. In this case, your doctor may administer ESIs to relieve inflammation and pressure. However, the relief is often short-term because steroid injections don’t address the cause of your back pain.
Stem Cell Therapy
During stem cell therapy, your provider takes bone marrow from your hip to synthesize stem cells, which are then injected into the damaged area of your spinal column. These stem cells help regenerate damaged tissue, including degenerated facet joints and discs, to relieve your pain. Stem cell therapy is an outpatient procedure, and you do not need a lot of downtime.
So, Do You Need Spinal Fusion?
Well, it depends. Alternative and effective treatments like stem cell therapy and the Discseel Procedure can relieve many forms of spinal pain without the need for surgery. However, it all comes down to your symptoms and other factors like your health and age. If you would like to explore whether Discseel is a more appropriate treatment, contact Performance Pain and Sports Medicine today to talk to an expert.
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