Living with ongoing neck and back pain can make simple tasks hard, limit time with family, and disturb your sleep. If you’re thinking about spinal fusion surgery, it helps to understand the pros and potential cons. For many people, the benefits vastly outweigh the risks.
What Conditions and Injuries Does Spinal Fusion Surgery Treat?
The beauty of spinal fusion surgery is in its diversity. It can be used to treat pain and discomfort caused by conditions and injuries such as degenerative disk disease, fracture, infection, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and tumors. The means by which the spinal fusion can help each of these problems is varied and is a subject unto itself. However, most patients who receive spinal fusion surgery are able to resume their normal, active lifestyles.
Pros of Spinal Fusion Surgery
1. Less Pain
Spinal fusion can reduce severe back pain from conditions like worn-out discs, narrowed spine channels, or broken bones.
Why It Matters: By joining the damaged bones together, the surgery stops painful motion, giving lasting relief to many patients.
2. Better Stability
For patients having surgery to remove pressure in the spine, fusion is often done at the same time to add strength and prevent abnormal or painful motion.
Why It Matters: Some spinal conditions involve excessive motion or instability. Spinal fusion addresses this problem.
3. More Movement
While fusion stops motion between specific bones, many patients can move better because they have less pain.
Why It Matters: Patients with one or two fused areas often find it easier to do daily tasks and the amount of loss of flexibility is not significant.
4. Less Need for Pain Medicine
Successful fusion may reduce or end the need for ongoing pain medicine, including over-the-counter pills and prescription drugs.
Why It Matters: Using less medicine lowers the risk of side effects and dependency.
5. Better Quality of Life
For patients whose conditions make it hard to enjoy life or be active, fusion offers a chance to regain freedom.
Why It Matters: Many patients get back to hobbies they love, travel more easily, and enjoy life more overall.
It's time to get back
to doing what you love.
Cons of Spinal Fusion Surgery
1. Surgery Risk
Like any surgery, there is a chance of complications such as infection, bleeding, or spinal fluid leaks. Although the risk of these issues is very small, they can affect the recovery process.
What to Consider: Although the vast majority of spinal fusion surgeries do not run into complications, spinal fusion, like all surgeries, carries a risk of complications. Some of these, bleeding and spinal fluid leaks, for example, may require additional procedures, and there is a very, very small risk of a significant permanent injury.
2. Failed Fusion
One of the risks of spinal fusion is a failed fusion AKA “non-union” or “pseudoarthrosis.” This happens when the bones fail to grow together in the months after surgery. Smokers and people with osteoporosis, as well as certain other health issues are at higher risk.
What to Consider: Failed fusion might result in painful symptoms for which another surgery may be required.
3. Nerve Damage Risk
Although rare, nerve damage can happen during surgery. Temporary or even permanent nerve problems, like numbness or weakness, can occur.
What to Consider: Modern surgical methods and experienced doctors lower this risk, but it’s important to discuss concerns with your specialist.
4. Less Flexibility
Since the fused bones no longer move, flexibility in that part of the spine is permanently reduced.
What to Consider: Patients either report no difference in their flexibility or a slight feeling of stiffness without any functional significance when only one or two levels are fused.
5. Stress on Nearby Bones
Over time, the stress placed on nearby joints can speed up wear and tear.
What to Consider: Good surgical technique, lifestyle changes and maintenance exercises can help reduce this risk.
Is Spinal Fusion Right for You?
Spinal fusion surgery can provide lasting pain relief and stability for many patients, but it’s not right for everyone. Understanding how the pros and cons apply to your specific condition is important. Your decision should consider:
- How severe is your condition? Have other treatments stopped working?
- How healthy are you overall? Do you have risk factors that could affect surgery outcomes?
- What is your activity level and goals? Will spinal fusion improve your daily life and movement?
Your Next Step: Consult Your Spine Specialist
Spinal fusion surgery has helped many people take back their lives from acute or chronic pain, but it’s important to think about all factors before deciding. Have an open discussion with your spine specialist to assess your personal risks and explore whether spinal fusion is the right solution for you.
Ready to explore your treatment options? Request a consultation today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does recovery take after spinal fusion?
Initial recovery takes 4-6 weeks, with full healing typically achieved in 3-6 months.
Will I be able to return to work after surgery?
Light-duty work may resume after 4-6 weeks, while physically demanding jobs may require 3-6 months.
Does insurance cover spinal fusion surgery?
Most insurance plans cover spinal fusion when deemed medically necessary, especially after exhausting conservative treatment options.
Will spinal fusion limit my mobility permanently?
The fused vertebrae no longer move, but most patients report minimal limitation in everyday activities and often experience greater overall mobility due to pain relief.

About Dr. Alfred T. Ogden
Dr. Alfred T. Ogden is an accomplished neurosurgeon in North Jersey and is a proud member of Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, practicing out of their Ridgewood office conveniently located on East Ridgewood Avenue. Dr. Ogden is internationally recognized as a leader in minimally invasive spine surgery.