Enjoying hobbies, playing with your kids, even simply walking the dog — these everyday activities can seem nearly impossible when you’re battling chronic back pain due to a herniated disc. If traditional treatment approaches aren’t providing the lasting relief you need, lumbar fusion surgery could be the answer.
At Northeast Ohio Spine Center, experienced surgeon Mark R. Grubb, MD, offers advanced spinal care, including minimally invasive lumbar fusion. Dr. Grubb works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and recovery objectives.
Could lumbar fusion surgery be the right solution for you? Here, we explain this cutting-edge procedure and describe how it can help address your disc herniation and relieve your pain.
Your spine is made up of interconnected bones, called vertebrae. Between them lie intervertebral discs, which act as cushions, allowing for smooth and flexible spinal movement.
These discs consist of a strong outer casing and a softer inner core. A disc herniation occurs when the soft, spongy center pushes through a weak spot in the outer portion of the disc. A variety of factors can cause herniation, including:
When a disc ruptures, the protruding material can press on nearby nerves. Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the herniation and which nerves it’s compressing.
A herniated lumbar disc typically causes pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling in the lower back, legs, and feet. In some cases, the pain may radiate down one leg, from the buttock to the foot — a condition known as sciatica.
When nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy and pain medication aren’t providing sufficient relief from chronic back pain, Dr. Grubb may recommend lumbar fusion. This surgical procedure aims to stabilize your spine by permanently joining two or more vertebrae together.
During the procedure, Dr. Grubb makes small incisions in your back to access the damaged vertebrae. He then carefully prepares the vertebrae for fusion by strategically placing a bone graft, typically harvested from the hip or other larger bone.
Over time, this graft integrates with the surrounding bone, creating a solid, fused segment. This creates a more stable spinal structure, reducing the motion that’s contributing to your pain and instability. In some cases, Dr. Grubb may suggest additional fixation with internal screws, plates, or rods.
By using smaller incisions and specialized tools, minimally invasive lumbar fusion results in less muscle trauma than traditional open surgery — potentially leading to reduced post-operative pain, fewer complications, and a faster recovery.
The recovery process varies from patient to patient, but you’ll need a period of rest and restricted activity to allow the bone and surgical site to heal. Dr. Grubb closely monitors your progress through regular follow-up appointments after your procedure.
Up to 80% of people deal with lower back pain at some point in their lives. If you’re among those struggling with persistent pain, consider the potential of lumbar fusion. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Grubb online or by phone at Northeast Ohio Spine Center in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, today.
