Living with scoliosis as an adult often involves navigating significant physical challenges. In addition to poor posture, adult scoliosis can cause chronic back pain and other problems that can make even simple daily tasks difficult.
Fortunately, breakthroughs in surgical technology have paved the way for the development of cutting-edge, highly effective solutions for adult scoliosis. Among these is spinal fusion, which is widely regarded as a life-changing procedure. Spinal fusion boasts a remarkable success rate, with up to 90 percent of individuals reporting a significant improvement in their symptoms, posture, and overall quality of life.
If you are on this page to gather information about spinal fusion as a potential solution for adult scoliosis, keep reading to discover how it can help manage pain, restore your normal function, and ultimately help you regain your independence.
What is Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure in which two or more bones in the spine (vertebrae) are joined together using metal plates, screws, or rods, so they heal into one solid bone.
The goal of spinal fusion is to stabilize and realign the spine and, in the case of adult scoliosis, correct the curvature to prevent it from worsening.
When is Spinal Fusion Necessary?
Not every adult with scoliosis requires spinal fusion surgery. Spine surgeons recommend the procedure only when:
- Nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate symptom relief.
- The curvature is more than 40 degrees, showing signs of progression, and causing significant functional impairment and quality-of-life issues.
- There is severe nerve compression involved, leading to unmanageable pain, weakness, numbness, and/or mobility issues.
- The spinal deformity is affecting organ function.
To determine your eligibility for the procedure, your spine surgeon will likely carry out a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. This enables them to assess the severity of the curvature and determine the appropriate surgical approach.
How Spinal Fusion Surgery Helps with Adult Scoliosis
Spinal fusion helps adults with scoliosis in a number of ways:
- Stabilizes the Spine: Connecting the affected vertebrae eliminates the movement between them, thereby providing stability to the spine. Spinal stability essentially means that the structures that support your spine are working together in perfect harmony.
- Improves Posture: Poor posture due to scoliosis can make standing, walking, and even sitting for long periods uncomfortable. Spinal fusion improves posture by correcting deformity and restoring proper alignment of the spine, as well as providing structural support.
- Provides Long-Term Pain Relief: The pain associated with adult scoliosis is often the result of pressure on the discs and facet joints, as well as muscle tension. Spinal fusion addresses the problem by fixing the affected vertebrae in place and realigning the spine.
Scoliosis-related pain can also stem from nerve compression or stretching. The sideways curvature of the spine can compress the nerves along the inner curve and stretch them along the outer curve, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the lumbar area (lower back) down to the feet.
In cases where there is nerve compression involved, spinal fusion may be done in conjunction with other types of spinal surgery to open the spinal canal and ease the pressure on the affected nerves.
- Improves Quality of Life: By addressing pain, instability, and postural challenges, spinal fusion allows patients to return to many physical activities they used to enjoy but had to avoid. Many individuals who have undergone the procedure are now able to carry out daily tasks and certain activities (i.e., those that do not involve twisting, bending, and heavy lifting) with greater ease. Better mobility translates into greater independence and, ultimately, a better quality of life.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, spinal fusion carries potential risks, including infection, blood clots, complications related to anesthesia, adjacent segment disease, and failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Adjacent segment disease is a condition in which the fused area places added stress on nearby vertebrae, leading to degeneration in other parts of the spine. FBSS is a generalized term for persistent or chronic pain after spine surgery.
The advancements in surgical techniques, however, have made spinal fusion much safer, significantly reducing its risks and improving patient outcomes. For many individuals, the benefits of spinal fusion far outweigh its potential drawbacks.
It is essential to discuss these concerns with your spine surgeon. Having a good understanding of the benefits and risks can help you make a well-informed decision.
Spinal Fusion Expert in Rochester Hills, MI
If you are dealing with chronic back pain and quality-of-life issues due to adult scoliosis and want to learn more about spinal fusion, visit Dr. Bradley Ahlgren here at Ahlgren Spine in Rochester Hills, MI.
Among the top spinal surgeons in the region, Dr. Ahlgren has performed countless successful spine fusion surgeries over the course of his career. He is highly equipped to answer any questions and concerns you may have about the procedure and guide you through the decision-making process with confidence and clarity.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlgren, call us at (248) 215-8080 or (248) 840-2053. You may also fill out our secure appointment request form.
