Spinal Fusion

Why is Spinal Fusion recommended by some spine surgeons? ( Get the picture of doctor recommending with a model of fused spine)

Radiculopathy (nerve root dysfunction) from compressed/pinched nerves
Sciatica (pain down leg to foot) from compressed/pinched nerves
Cauda Equina Syndrome (poly radiculopathy) from compressed/pinched nerves
Deformity: Kyphosis, Scoliosis, Listhesis
Fractured spine
Spinal instability
Spinal stenosis
Recurrent disc herniation
Strong financial incentives for spine surgeons and hospitals

How is Spinal Fusion performed?

Why should Spinal Fusion be avoided?

Highly invasive: large incision and excessive cutting of normal tissues between skin and spine during Spinal Fusion.

Excessive and unnecessary bleeding during and after surgery from tissue trauma by the surgeon.

Destruction of normal stabilizing bones including lamina and spinous process by the surgeon during TLIF Spinal Fusion.

Destruction of normal stabilizing ligaments including longitudinal, supraspinous, interspinous and ligamentum flavum by the surgeon during Spinal Fusion.

Destruction of normal muscles around the spine by the surgeon during Spinal Fusion.

Excessive scar tissue forms around the spine and nerves after Spinal Fusion.

Complications are common after Spinal Fusion.

Spinal instability is common after Spinal Fusion.

Disc herniations and degenerated discs are not treated properly when Spinal Fusion is performed. The source of back pain (inflammation) is not removed. Untreated posterior annular tear and herniation is the most common cause of back and leg pain after Spinal Fusion.

Stenosis either persists or reoccurs commonly after Spinal Fusion and will require additional surgery.

Adjacent segment disease is common after Spinal Fusion and requires additional surgery.

Excessive postoperative pain always occurs after Spinal Fusion due to soft tissue injury, muscle trauma and necrosis all caused by the surgeon. During TLIF and lateral Spinal Fusion the muscles are torn off the spine to get down to the disc. The dying back muscles cause severe postoperative inflammation and pain that always requires opioid painkillers and muscle relaxers. Opioid painkillers are highly addicting, cause tolerance, abuse and even death from breathing failure.