Surgery, especially spinal surgery, can be a frightening prospect. Yet after years of unabated back pain the prospect of regaining freedom of movement is almost irresistible.

If your doctor has advocated spinal surgery, it is wise to consider what it can do for you, and the work you must put in for results to be produced at all.

Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is far from a simple procedure that has irreversible consequences, be they positive or negative. The best surgery candidates are not those with the simplest problem. It is those with reserves of determination and patience that can stick to the rehabilitation routine in the 18 month post-surgery program.

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure where two or more vertebrae are fused together. These vertebrae have been identified as the most likely source of back pain. Even with state of the art imaging it is still impossible to state with 100 per cent accuracy where all spinal problems originate. Prior to surgery there is a disc in between each vertebra. This is replaced by a bone graft, often from the pelvis, which heals over months effectively welding or fusing them together, thus stabilising the movement thought to be at the root of the pain.

Alternatives to surgery
Spinal fusion surgery is a major procedure. Afterwards, patients suffer pain from the surgery and face a long recovery period. Given that the intense rehabilitation program that is necessary for spinal fusion it is definitely worth looking at an intensive physical therapy program first. Physical therapy has been found to achieve the same level of result for a fair percentage of back pain sufferers, without facing the operating table.

Physical therapy
A good physical therapist will educate you about your back so that you are empowered to manage your health when you are living your daily life. They will teach you how to bend, lift, sit, stand – the basic actions which you need to do every day – in the way ergonomic for your body and the pain you are experiencing. As well as education (and encouragement), they will increase mobility of joints and tissues with manual therapy and train you on strength and flexibility exercises. Success is not overnight, but increased mobility and freedom of movement can be achieved with time and dedication to your personalised program.

The right option
There's no simple answer to this of course. Each individual's prognosis and treatment procedure will be different as will the advice that your medical practitioner gives you. Of course, we recommend that you speak with your trusted medical practitioner, but we also recommend you do your research, and make the choice that's right for your body, and your lifestyle.