Ready for Relief? What to Expect from Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion connects two or more bones (vertebrae) in your spine so they heal as one solid bone. Discs between each vertebra cushion and allow movement unless damaged by degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, herniated discs, or spinal instability. 

Spinal fusion can reduce your back pain and protect your spine from further damage.

In Atlanta, Georgia, Max Steuer, MD, and physician assistant Carter Cooper, PA-C, consider you a candidate for spinal fusion surgery if:

• Conservative treatments (e.g., injections, physical therapy) haven’t helped enough
• You have spinal arthritis, stenosis, or a vertebral fracture
• Your pain relates to spondylolisthesis, which occurs when a vertebra slips forward

Each case is unique, which is why we recommend a thorough evaluation here in our Meridian Mark Plaza office.

Before surgery

Here’s how the process goes:

Consultation and evaluation

Dr. Steuer considers your symptoms, imaging reports, and medical history to decide whether fusion is the best option for you, or if microdiscectomy or artificial disc replacement might serve you better.

Presurgery planning

Dr. Steuer conducts blood tests, discusses your anesthesia options, reviews your medications, and asks you to stop temporarily taking any that may interfere with the surgery.

Lifestyle adjustments

We work with you to optimize your nutrition, manage your weight, and plan for your recovery.

This presurgery time also gives you a chance to ask questions about pain management, your hospital stay, and what your results might look like. We want you to go into surgery with realistic expectations.

During surgery

On the day of your procedure, we place you under anesthesia so you don’t feel pain during the operation. Using minimally invasive techniques where possible, Dr. Steuer:

1. Makes a small incision to access the affected spinal segment
2. Removes damaged or diseased disc material
3. Places devices between the vertebrae, securing them with plates, rods, or screws
4. Allows the vertebrae to fuse over time

A fused segment stabilizes over time, becoming less likely to cause movement-related pain.

After surgery

Recovering from spinal fusion is a process. Right after surgery, you spend some time in the recovery area or hospital under supervision. Dr. Steuer encourages early mobilization, such as gentle walking, to boost your healing.

Tips for your recovery journey:

• Stay consistent with physical therapy; it helps rebuild strength and flexibility safely
• Follow your custom home exercise plan to help reduce stiffness
• Be patient and know that healing takes time

Potential risks such as infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation are uncommon. You discuss these with our surgical team so you understand what to watch for. Full fusion can take several months, but you should begin to feel improvement in your pain and function long before that.

Ready to take the next step?

If chronic spine pain interferes with your quality of life, spinal fusion may be the ticket to lasting relief. At Max Steuer, MD, we proudly provide personalized care focused on your comfort and the best possible long-term outcomes. 

Schedule a consultation by phone or online today to begin your journey to a more active, pain-free future.