Spinal Fusion Surgery
Non-Surgical Alternatives to Spinal Fusion Surgery
Our Specialty
Spinal Fusion Surgery
Living with persistent back or neck pain can affect your mobility, comfort, and ability to participate in everyday activities. While spinal fusion surgery may be recommended for certain spine conditions, surgery is not always the first treatment option.
At Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance, patients with spine pain can be evaluated to determine the cause of their symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options. Depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition, nonsurgical treatments may help manage pain, improve function, and potentially delay or avoid the need for surgery.
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae together. It may be considered when instability, degeneration, or another spinal condition causes significant symptoms that have not improved with more conservative treatment.
Before recommending surgery, an orthopedic spine specialist may consider nonsurgical options based on your symptoms, diagnosis, overall health, and how your condition affects your daily life.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is commonly used to treat back and neck conditions without surgery. A personalized rehabilitation program may focus on strengthening the muscles that support the spine, increasing flexibility, improving mobility, and helping you perform everyday movements more comfortably.
Your physical therapist may also provide guidance on posture and body mechanics to help reduce unnecessary stress on the spine.
Medications
Medication may be incorporated into a nonsurgical treatment plan to help manage pain and inflammation. Depending on your condition and medical history, your provider can determine whether medication is appropriate and recommend options based on your individual needs.
Medication may also be combined with physical therapy or other conservative treatments rather than used as a stand-alone approach.
Spinal Injections
For some patients, injections may help manage symptoms associated with certain spinal conditions. These treatments may be used to deliver medication directly to an area associated with pain and inflammation.
The type of injection recommended depends on the underlying source of your symptoms. Your provider can determine whether an injection may be appropriate after evaluating your condition.
Subspecialties
Activity and Lifestyle Modifications
Certain activities can aggravate an existing spine condition. Modifying how you exercise, work, lift, or perform repetitive movements may help reduce stress on your back or neck.
This does not necessarily mean avoiding physical activity altogether. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist can help you identify safe ways to remain active while protecting your spine.
When Should You See a Spine Specialist?
Back or neck pain that persists, worsens, or begins interfering with everyday activities deserves medical attention. Symptoms such as pain that travels into an arm or leg, numbness, tingling, or weakness may also indicate that a nerve is involved.
An accurate diagnosis is an important first step because the right treatment depends on what is causing your symptoms.
Explore Your Spine Treatment Options at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance
Spine pain does not automatically mean you need spinal fusion surgery. Nonsurgical treatments may provide an effective path toward managing symptoms and improving function for many patients.
The spine specialists at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance can evaluate your symptoms, identify the underlying condition, and develop an individualized treatment plan. If conservative options do not provide adequate relief, your specialist can discuss whether surgery should be considered.
Schedule an appointment with Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance to learn more about your options for treating back or neck pain.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPINAL OSTEOARTHRITIS
If these measures aren’t enough to take away your osteoarthritis or the accompanying symptoms, you may have to resort to surgery. Spinal osteoarthritis surgery is more commonly referred to as spinal fusion and results in two or more of your vertebra being permanently fused.
Our Spine Surgeons
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