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Fusion Alternatives

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that can correct problems with the small bones of the spine (vertebrae). The basic idea behind this “welding process” is to fuse together the painful vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone.

Spinal fusion can be recommended once the cause of your pain has been determined and all attempts at conservative treatment have failed. It is an option when motion is the source of pain. Spinal fusion stabilizes the spine and eliminates motion between vertebrae, preventing the stretching of nerves and surrounding ligaments and muscles. The theory is if the painful vertebrae do not move, they should not hurt. Fusion will take away some spinal flexibility, but most spinal fusions involve only small segments of the spine.

Like any open back surgery, the failure rates for open spinal fusion surgery are high. If a physician has recommended spinal fusion surgery for your condition, come talk to us. A second opinion is important for any surgery.

We have helped many patients avoid traditional spinal fusion surgery with our minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. Even patients for whom spinal fusion is a last resort, new minimally invasive spinal fusion techniques are now being used with amazing results. Read more about XLIF Fusion Surgery and if it will benefit you.

At Atlantic Spinal Care, we believe less is better and less is more.