Long-Term Risks of Spinal Fusion
Before Fusion — Considering SCS as an Alternative
There are situations where surgery for nerve decompression or spinal reconstruction is clearly necessary:
- Progressive muscle weakness
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
- Severe instability or deformity
In these cases, surgery takes priority.
However, if none of the above apply and your main problem is pain, it may be worth considering spinal cord stimulation (SCS) before committing to an irreversible fusion.
SCS offers important advantages:
- It can be tried and then reversed if needed (reversible)
- It does not carry the risk of adjacent segment disease
- It has proven effectiveness for chronic pain, including pain after surgery
If fusion has been recommended, ask your surgeon: "Why isn't decompression alone sufficient?" and "Is fusion truly necessary given my condition?" Then also ask whether SCS might be an option worth exploring.
Learn about spinal cord stimulation (SCS)