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Before considering Spinal fusion surgery it is best that all conservative methods be explored to their fullest potential. Let’s begin by reviewing a few of the known conditions that may be corrected with spinal fusion surgery and then we will look at the possible conventional methods that should be attempted prior to a spinal fusion.
Degenerative disc disease:
Although this is a common disorder amongst the population, it does not usually cause any pain. The by-products such as spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and retrolisthesis along with a combination of the worn down degenerated disc and a bone spur are often the reasons behind the pain. Spinal stenosis being a narrowing of the spinal canal that houses the spinal cord and our nerve roots , spondylolisthesis is the slipping forward of a disc and vertebra and that opposite of that is found in retrolisthesis where there is backward slippage.
Herniated disc:
Being one of the most common causes of lower back pain, the disc in question is a round and flat structure resting between your vertebrae in your spinal column. A vertebral disc is generally made up of a tough outer material that encompasses as soft jelly like interior. The main purpose of these discs is to act as a shock absorber to cushion your back bones allowing them to flex properly. A herniated disc occurs When the disc tears and the inner material is no longer fully contained. Most often the herniated disc forms when intense pressure is applied by either the vertebra above or below the disc. Although it may be caused by improper lifting of heavy objects, traumatic injury, or sudden twisting motion, a disc may become herniated through our body’s natural aging process.
Before considering spinal fusion surgery a few conservative treatments to be considered for back pain relief are:
Cold packs: Inflammation that causes painful back syndromes may be reduced with the application of cold packs. You can do this by wrapping an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a clean towel and applying it to the affected area four times a day for 15 minutes.
Hot packs: Once 48 hours have passed from the original time of injury heat may be applied to relieve the pain being felt. Use a warm pack or a heating pad on the lowest setting for good results. It will often help if you alternate between cold packs and warm packs if you continue having pain.
Stretching: Try to stick to passive stretches and avoid bouncing and twisting motions during your initial stretching after your injury.
Over the counter medication: There are two categories of pain killers. The first type of pain killer will only relieve the pain being felt. The other classification of pain killer will kill the pain and also help to relieve the inflammation. Termed as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs these include the likes of Aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol. There are a few problems with using these for pain relief. The first problem is that these drugs can lead to long term health issues such as nausea, stomach bleeding along with ulcers. The second area of concern is related to something called the ceiling affect. The ceiling affect means that if a patient exceeds the recommended dose there will be no increase in effectiveness of the drug.
Prescription Drugs: You may be prescribed a combination of muscle relaxants along with anti-inflammatory medications. Anticonvulsants and antidepressant drugs may also be used to block the pain messages that are being sent to your brain. The body uses endorphins as a natural pain killer and some drugs can be used to enhance the body’s production of these endorphins.