Spinal fusion surgery may be required to treat this condition, with many patients improving their function and experiencing less pain.
He managed to return for the playoffs, but was eventually forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery in the summer of 1984.
This pathology is one reason behind the development of artificial discs as a possible alternative to fusion surgery.
It has not been yet demonstrated that fusion surgery and disc replacement are better options than the conservative treatment.
Many of these people are being told that fusion surgery is the solution.
For many years, Wheeler recommended that his patients with back trouble avoid fusion surgery unless it was absolutely necessary.
She had undergone fusion surgery in early December.
Even so, it will not address fusion surgery for chronic back pain; the participating physicians couldn't agree on diagnostic criteria and forms of treatment.
And many insurers consider the fusion surgery to be overprescribed and of little long-term value.
Some patients end up feeling forced into spinal fusion surgery, however reluctant they may be.