Getting a Spinal Fusion

A doctor may recommend spinal fusion in circumstances where the predominant source of spinal pain is thought to be a severely degenerated disc between two vertebral bones or a "slippage" of the spine bones (referred to as "spondylolisthesis"). Slippage of the bones results in misalignment of the spine and possible entrapment of the spinal nerves.

Other circumstances exist in which a fusion may best treat the source of back or neck and leg or arm pain.

Factors Your Doctor May Consider

If you have degenerative disc disease that causes low back pain, you may be a candidate for spinal fusion surgery.
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Surgery: What to Expect

Spinal fusion surgery can be used to treat degenerative disc disease that causes back and neck pain.
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Section Navigation

• Getting a Spinal Fusion
• Factors Your Doctor May Consider
• Surgery: What to Expect

Additional information