What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

I've had good results with an L4-4 fusion done in 2017--cycled, skied hard, and still tightly fused (No osteoporosis). Now, things have degenerated to where I am on the list for a double fusion for the levels above that last--L3-4 and L2-3. However, the insurance company declined to approve the surgery, and we are fighting that. BTW, I have congenital narrowing of the spinal canal, and this would be my 4th lumbar surgery. It's that or gruesome pain, at night in bed when turning, and inability to walk without high pain levels. If/When you get to that point, surgery is easier to contemplate. Hope you have some good options for your situation.

@leeman25

I was at the point of contemplating surgery when I had an acute onset of radicular leg pain. I was dragging one leg when I tried to walk. I thought a leg amputation was a good idea. That was when the surgeon wanted to remove all the bad bone and fuse my entire lumbar spine because of arthritis and severe spinal stenosis. I have inflammatory arthritis so all I needed was a large dose of Prednisone to relieve my pain.

I still have some nerve damage causing foot drop but as long as the inflammation is treated ... I will take my chances and hope I won't become paralyzed. I use a rollator which seems to help when I have to walk too far and need to sit down. Being hunched over when I walk helps with the pain too. The surgeon said I wasn't a good surgical candidate because of Prednisone.

You're correct. Some success and some not so much. Had surgery in 2015, with 10 years of success and great relief. Now have severe spinal arthritis and no solution in site. Am very pleased with the surgery in '15 and wish you well. It's worth the effort and time.

REPLY TO: annie1@anniel

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you - my wife Anne had some medical issues that we had to attend to.
Before I answer your questions, I have to tell you that we are celebrating one year - 30th April - for a very
successful second spinal fusion. I feel great (for a 80 year old) but sometimes I over do it - carpentry and
gardening. One has to be careful and be "responsible" as per my wife.
First - I did not have any osteoporosis.
Second - I had a "herniated disc" at L5-L4 that was fused 30 years ago and I continued my profession as
a carpenter till now (lifting / bending / and caring to heavy things)
Third - the second fusion was L4-L3. It was a LLIF approach (side of waist). I would leave it to your
surgeon to decide which approach is best for your situation.
I will tell you both are not without pain. Most important to keep a positive mind, go slowly at first and when
possible WALK - keep the body in motion. My surgeon said he hoped to improve my situation (pain/numbness/
inability to stand for long moments) by 50%. I believe I would say at this point - I feel 90% better.
All the best and wishing you well - peterpaul@ peterpaul
Further questions do not hesitate to respond.

@dadcue

Hang in there, Mike. Best to you.

Well I had the L4 and L5 S1 fusion done 3 1/2 yrs ago. I haven't gotten any relief from the surgery. My right leg is constantly in pain. I tried walking to see if it would loosen up. But only to fill like my hip is about to pop out of socket. I really need a good ortho to find out what the problem is. I have been told to loose weight but I cant even walk half of the time. I just want to feel better.

I had L4/5 fusion in Oct ‘25; several months ago developed bad aching in my right hip. Pain doc said Sacroiliitis was common after fusion procedure and possibly SI joint fusion might correct it. Meantime undergoing myofascial release with my PT and will visit my surgeon on 23 June for his thoughts.
Ibuprofen helps with the inflammation but my PC said to steer clear of it since I also have CKD3b. Can only deal with Duloxetine and Tylenol to help with pain.

@zekeman1947 Good afternoon. I had Lumbar Fusion surgery in November 2025 at L5-S1. The bottom disc had collapsed on the right side, and my surgeon performed the fusion surgery for that reason. My back has been healing well, but unfortunately, I am still having chronic pain from locked muscles.

The main reason I'm writing is because you mentioned Myofacial release. I have been researching why muscles spasm, or lock, and no treatment can get them to release. The next area I am considering is Myofacial Release for my right oblique muscles. They are constantly locked/spasmed from when I get up until I go to bed. The only relief is when I lay on my back.

I have tried almost everything you can try over the past nearly 3 years (July 7th will be 3 years), and after seeing more then 30 medical professionals at multiple hospitals and clinics, no one has any idea why my muscles will not release. Can you please let me know how Myofacial release goes for you?

Have a great weekend!

Anyone have back pain from scoliosis and osteoporosis?

@heatherm I had spinal fusion at L5/S1 back in 2017. This was to correct supposed spondylolisthesis. The surgeon told me that this would help reduce my back pain. I had been prescribed a mix of meds that helped drop my pain quit a bit but. I was greedy and wanted no pain at all. The surgery did nothing to help my back pain. If I could go back, I would not have this surgery done(naturally). Tough decision. Perhaps you should get a second opinion. Pray about this difficult decision.