Connect
Spinal Fusion Surgery – Good or Bad Experiences?
I have degenerative disc disease which is pretty advanced and have been told by several doctors I should have Four-level fusion (L2-S1) surgery, yet I am unsure. I have heard and read so many different opinions on this varying from definitely don’t do it to it has helped a lot. I do understand it depends on the person and how extensive the damage is so I am taking that into account. I’m also very concerned as I recently had a meniscectomy on my knee and ended up with nerve damage which makes me even more fearful about a more invasive surgery.
While I have read a lot about it and met with a surgeon, I am interested in personal thoughts and comments from anyone that has had the surgery and their experience, to those that like myself that are contemplating it as well. I’m really unsure how to proceed at this point.
Thank you in advance.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
Connect
@sb6088 I had my fusion L4-S1 in 1990 with stainless steel plates and screws. They have performed very well without any issues. Unfortunately I have osteoporosis and osteoarthritis of the spine. The newer methods are much easier to recover from with shorter hospital stays. Good luck on your choice.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@lkildare1
Thank you, very helpful. I hear so many stories from people who have had the surgery and they're in more pain than they were before. I am very interested in the spinal stimulator which I have just heard about. Based on what you said I'm definitely going to look into it further. Again, thanks for sharing your experience with that. Gives me some hope!
@jenatsky
Thanks for the info. I'm glad to hear that although you had the surgery in 1990 its still helpful. Does the osteoporosis and osteoarthritis of the spine affect how you feel now, are you in any pain? Even though surgery today is probably better than it was in past years, I'm still scared to have it even though if successful it would probably bring me much relief.
My OP and OA are a pain. I’m using buprenorphine patch 20mcg as my main pain control. I have Percocet for breakthrough pain but I rarely use it. I instead micro dose 15mg THC and 15mg CBD 3x a day with tincture. I’m an old hippie so this is not new for me. Cold weather, rainy weather, snow, barometric pressure all give me back pain. My saving grace is my joints are fine and I walk daily and now with a cane. It’s no fun getting old when you hurt all the time.
@dlydailyhope
@dlydailyhope Did your headaches go away immediately after your c5 c6 ACDF surgery or did the linger for a few months. After a few months my headaches went away but now 7 months later they have returned everyday with no relief other than ice and heat on my neck. It's very frustrating when I wake up in the middle of the night and have really bad ones but to have them now everyday is horrible. I thought once the nerve compression was taken care of they would stop.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@jenatsky
Does the THC & CBD give you significant pain relief? That's something I haven't tried yet but would be willing to if it was helpful.
My migraines used to coincide with weather changes but I never thought that my back pain may do that too.
I can 100% empathize with your statement about getting old and hurting all the time. Never thought it would be this bad.
Thanks for things to think about!
@mayr
I did have relief of daily headaches I had from neck and shoulder tension and C5-C6 cervical spine/spinal cord/nerve roots compression. I used to wake up with them every day.
Have you had updated MRI of your cervical spine to see if you have new compression of spinal cord or nerve roots? There is the problem of adjacent segment disease above or below fusion levels. I am having some issues post C6-C7 ACDF and getting a new MRI in early December. My surgery at that level was May 2025.
Have you had a MRI of your brain and seen a neurologist for your headaches?
@dlydailyhope
Thank you for sharing your experience with the pain and surgeries you've had and what you've learned from it. That is a great suggestion regarding how its important to teach fusion patients how to move so as not to risk adjacent injuries. It was also interesting reading about the pain you had prior to your surgery as that is exactly what I'm going through right now. I have neurogenic claudication as the pain starts at the top of my leg and goes all the way down to my foot. Just as you described, I can only stand about 5-10 minutes until the tingling/numbness forces me to sit down. I'm happy to hear the surgery worked for you but concerned as you said it was a painful procedure.
I have to say you've definitely gone through a lot with your condition and its good to that for the most part its turned out well. I think physical therapy would also be very beneficial as it does seem to strengthen muscles and help improve movement especially in areas that cause pain. However I'm involved in that now after surgery for meniscus tear and for the back pain but not sure how helpful it is without having surgery to treat the root cause (in the back).
Again, thank you for sharing your perspective as I truly found it helpful. Not a lot of people have a positive experience to share with fusion surgery so I found it very interesting. I hope you stay well and wish you the best with any future issues or surgeries.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@dlydailyhope Yes I have seen a neurologist for the headaches and he wants me to take anti seizure meds and yes I have had an MRI and MRA which both showed normal results. I am seeing another spine surgeon tomorrow but I think he will just say he agrees with my previous surgeon since they are familiar with each other. My most recent MRI of cervical spine shows some substantial changes but the surgeon says not to worry about them he doesn't see anything that would cause my new symptoms along with the headaches - heavy legs tingling fingers feet numb neck pain that comes and goes. I am 80 years old and was active and now I find it hard to do anything. About all I can do to take care of daily needs and rest because I get so tired now.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction