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Before and After Spinal Fusion: What the X-Rays and the Recovery Actually Show

Side-by-side lumbar spine X-rays showing the lower back before spinal fusion and after surgery with implanted screws, rods, and an interbody spacer.

Before and after spinal fusion, the biggest change is that two or more vertebrae that used to move separately become one solid segment of bone. On an X-ray, that shows up first as screws, rods, and often a spacer cage, then as new bone bridging the level over the following months. Many patients have less […]

A Guide for Understanding Pain After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Man holding his back with highlighted spine, featuring text about pain after spinal fusion surgery.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Updated: Oct 6, 2026 Disclaimer: The information presented is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used for medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your treatment.  Key Points If a surgeon has told you that spinal fusion will end […]

Do Pain Management Doctors Really Help Chronic Back Pain?

Doctor explains spine model to patient, with text about pain management and chronic back pain.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Updated: Sep 29, 2026 Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment options before making decisions about care. Key Points If you’ve been living […]

Spine Surgery Scars: What Fusion and Laminectomy Incisions Look Like

Lower back showing spine surgery scars with close-up views of healing incisions after lumbar spinal surgery.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified spine specialist before making any treatment decisions. A spinal fusion surgery scar is usually a straight vertical line down the middle of the back or neck, and it gets longer with each spinal level fused. A laminectomy scar […]

Why Lumbar Laminectomy Often Falls Short for Back Pain

Person with back pain illustration and medical information about lumbar laminectomy by Deuk Spine Institute.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon updated: Sep 24, 2026 Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes vary from patient to patient. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific spine condition before making treatment […]

Spinal Fusion Hardware Failure: Loose Screws, Broken Rods, and What Comes Next

Patient experiencing lower back pain with an X-ray showing broken spinal fusion rods and screws, illustrating spinal fusion hardware failure.

Spinal fusion hardware failure happens when the screws, rods, plates, or cages placed during surgery loosen, break, or shift, most often because the bone never fully fused around them. The most common warning signs are a return of the original pain, new pain at a different spinal level, a grinding or clicking sensation called crepitus, […]

Spinal Fusion With Rods and Screws: What Actually Gets Put In Your Back

Spinal fusion model showing rods and screws attached to the lumbar spine, with an X-ray displaying spinal fusion hardware.

If a surgeon has told you that you need spinal fusion, you have probably already asked the question most patients ask right before they agree to surgery: what is actually going into my back? It is a fair question, and most patients do not get a straight answer to it. They hear “fusion” and picture […]

Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator: Risks, Disadvantages & Better Alternatives

Image of a woman's back showing a spinal cord stimulator device, with text about risks and alternatives.

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on: September 15, 2026 Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Consult your physician for medical assistance related to your own situation. Key Points ✓ Spinal cord stimulators mask pain signals. They do not cure […]

Why Radiofrequency Ablation Is Not the Answer for Herniated Disc Pain

Text about radiofrequency ablation and herniated disc pain with an image of the spine and a person holding their back.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Reviewed on September 10th, 2026 Disclaimer: The contents provided in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment specific to your condition. Key Points ✓ RFA treats facet joint pain, not herniated […]