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Treating Degenerative Disc Disease With

Lumbar Fusion

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Patients in or near Austin, TX who suffer from degenerative disc disease understand what a painful condition it can be, and are encouraged to seek relief from orthopedic surgeon Dr. Randall Dryer of the Central Texas Spine Institute. While you may be very eager to seek any treatment that has the potential to relieve your back pain, it is important that you first understand all of the available options and have a professional spine expert such as Dr. Dryer determine the best course of action.

Pinched nerves are the source of pain for those who suffer from degenerative disc disease. Vertebral discs act as cushions and spacers between the separate bones, or vertebrae, in your spine. The space provided allows for movement, but it also provides a path for nerve roots to travel from the spine to other areas of the body. As the discs break down, the space between the vertebrae is diminished, and the nerve root can become compressed, creating pain of varying intensity.

The process of lumbar fusion, also known as inter-body fusion or IBF, aims to restore that space. During this procedure, the orthopedic surgeon removes a part of the damaged disc, and places two temporary spacers that realign the spine and take the pressure off of the nerve root. These spacers are carefully replaced with two metal cages that thread into the bone matter of the two vertebrae. The cages are packed with morselized bone graft, which are tiny particles of your own bone matter. The bone graft grows through the holes in the cage, fusing with the bone in both vertebrae to form a bridge made of solid bone.

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Central Texas Spine Institute in Austin is a renowned medical facility specializing in the treatment of various spine-related conditions, including degenerative disc disease.

One of the treatment options offered at the institute is lumbar fusion, a spine surgical procedure that provides numerous benefits for patients suffering from this condition. Our spine clinic prides itself on offering state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled surgeons who perform lumbar fusion surgeries with precision and care. Get in touch with us to learn more and to schedule a consultation today.

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Benefits of Lumbar Fusion

  • Pain Relief:

    Degenerative disc disease often causes chronic back pain that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. Lumbar fusion surgery aims to alleviate this pain by stabilizing the affected area. By reducing motion between the vertebrae and eliminating pressure on the degenerated discs, patients often experience significant pain relief after this spine procedure.

  • Improved Functionality:

    Degenerative disc disease can limit a person's mobility and interfere with daily activities. Lumbar fusion surgery helps restore the stability of the spine, allowing patients to regain functionality and carry out their regular tasks with greater ease. With a stable spine, patients can enjoy improved range of motion and physical function.

  • Enhanced Spine Stability:

    Lumbar fusion surgery provides long-term stability to the lumbar spine by fusing the affected vertebrae together. This stability helps prevent further degeneration and minimizes the risk of additional disc-related problems in the future. By eliminating excessive motion between the vertebrae, lumbar fusion surgery at our Austin spine clinic can halt the progression of degenerative disc disease.

  • Reduced Dependency on Medication:

    Chronic pain caused by degenerative disc disease often requires patients to rely on pain medication for relief. Lumbar fusion surgery has the potential to reduce or even eliminate the need for long-term pain medication. This can positively impact a patient's overall health by avoiding the potential side effects and risks associated with prolonged medication use, which can include addiction, not to mention the on-going cost of medication.

  • Quicker Return to Normal Activities:

    Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques and technology, lumbar fusion surgery at Central Texas Spine Institute in Austin is often performed using minimally invasive methods. These techniques result in smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and shorter recovery times. Patients can expect to return to their normal activities quicker compared to traditional types of open surgery.

  • Improved Quality of Life:

    The chronic pain caused by degenerative disc disease can significantly impact a person's quality of life, leading to a decrease in social involvement and overall happiness. Lumbar fusion surgery can effectively relieve pain, restore mobility, and enhance a patient's quality of life. It allows individuals to resume activities they previously enjoyed but may have been unable to participate in due to their condition. In sum, spinal fusion surgery can help you regain your life back, so you can pursue your dreams.

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Is Spinal Fusion for You?

Before recommending lumbar fusion, our spine specialists in Austin explore conservative treatment options, such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. However, if these methods fail to provide long-term relief or if the disease progresses, spinal fusion surgery may become necessary.

Therefore, it is important to note that lumbar fusion surgery may not be suitable for every patient with degenerative disc disease. Each case is unique, and an evaluation by our experienced spine specialists at Central Texas Spine Institute in Austin will help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual. Schedule a consultation today!

Learn More Today

If you’re interested in learning more about lumbar fusion as a possible treatment for your back pain, contact Central Texas Spine Institute of Austin or request an appointment today.

Lumbar Fusion Procedure
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