Spinal fusion surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This means you will be completely unconscious and feel no pain during the procedure. An anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery.
Are there non-surgical options I should try first?
For most conditions, non-surgical treatments are the first line of defense. These can include:
Physical therapy and exercise
Medications (pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants)
Injections (epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks)
Chiropractic care or osteopathic manipulation
Acupuncture
Heat/cold therapy
Lifestyle modifications
Surgery is typically considered when these conservative measures have been exhausted and the pain is still significantly impacting your quality of life.
Disc replacement surgery provides a less invasive alternative to spinal fusion surgery and protects against adjacent level degeneration.