Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery in Clifton, NJ

Some pain, especially when it’s connected to your back and your spine, is so painful that conservative treatment options don’t help. Depending on the cause of your pain, lumbar spinal fusion surgery in Clifton, NJ may be the step that helps you finally feel better and recover from otherwise chronic conditions.

As with any other type of major surgery, this is not a procedure to be taken lightly. You need to know what to expect, whether you qualify as a potential patient, and what your road to recovery after the surgery may look like. Our medical professionals and Concierge Team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help you determine the best course of action for what you need and how to proceed to alleviate your pain.

What is Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Lumbar spinal fusion surgery in Clifton, New Jersey is a procedure in which two or more vertebrae in the lower back are fused together to reduce pain that would otherwise stem from motion. “Lumbar” means that this surgery happens in the lower back, while other types of spinal fusion surgeries could occur anywhere on the spine.

More specifically, the procedure involves placing a material that is either bone or like bone between two vertebrae to hold them together. All pieces are held together by metal plates, screws, or rods, allowing them to heal as a single bone and reduce the pain that can come from them scraping against each other or no longer having the strength to support the necessary movement.

3 Reasons Why You May Need Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery

While there may be many reasons spinal surgery is necessary for long-term pain relief, a few of these reasons are especially relevant for the specific process of fusing vertebrae in your lower back. The three most common reasons include:

• Strengthening the spine after the removal of a damaged disk, which could otherwise weaken the spine and impede movement and overall health.
• Correcting problems with the ways the spine has grown. For example, lumbar spinal fusion surgery is a common treatment for scoliosis, which is a condition in which the spine doesn’t grow straight.
• Stabilizing the spine to address the side effects of age-related issues like arthritis. With age, the spine can become less stable as vertebrae begin to move too much, and lumbar spinal fusion surgery can stabilize that movement.

Of course, there may be other reasons for this type of surgery as well. Check with your spine specialist with any questions about the benefits of this type of surgery for your spinal and back pain.

What to Expect With Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery is a relatively major procedure that can take up to, and in some cases take beyond, six hours. Though you might experience some pain, most surgeons control that pain with general or regional anesthesia.

Most surgeons attempt to keep the surgery as minimally invasive as possible. Your surgeon will generally make at least one cut, about one to two inches long, around the area of the lower back where the two bones need to be fused. The surgeon will place a bone graft or bone-like material in the correct area, and then attach it to each area to allow full and singular healing.

Recovering From Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery in Clifton, NJ

Bones tend to take a long time to grow and fuse together. Expect to spend up to four days in the hospital, then two weeks with restricted activity, and up to six weeks to get back into your regular routine. During those first six weeks, avoid sitting for too long or participating in any activities, such as bending or excessive lifting, that might cause back pain.

Also during those six weeks, your doctor will ask you to look for any signs of infection at the incisions. Over time, your doctor will also recommend physical therapy to slowly ease you back into normal movements without impeding your recovery. 

Work With NJ Spine & Orthopedic for Lasting Pain Relief and Spinal Care

Don’t take lumbar spinal fusion surgery lightly. This is a major procedure that needs to be done just right, including during the recovery process. Knowing what to expect before you walk in during the day of surgery allows you to ask the right questions and make sure that you’re prepared for what comes next.

Of course, working with the right experts also helps. The spine specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic in Clifton, NJ can help you get on that track while remaining by your side and available throughout the process to ensure a successful procedure and recovery. Contact us online today to learn more or give us a call at (866) 553-0612.