What is a spinal fusion?

A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure designed to join two or more vertebrae together, which stabilizes the spine and can alleviate pain caused by conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis. The goal of this surgery is to eliminate motion at the affected spinal segments, which can help reduce pain and prevent further damage to the spine. During the procedure, bone grafts or implants are used to facilitate the fusion, allowing the vertebrae to grow together over time.

In contrast, options suggesting other types of interventions, such as physical therapy, diagnostic tests, or injections, serve different purposes in the management of spinal conditions. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles and improving function, while diagnostic tests help in identifying specific spinal issues without intervening surgically. Injections can provide short-term pain relief but do not address the underlying structural problems that fusion aims to correct. Thus, spinal fusion is specifically characterized by its primary function of stabilizing the vertebral column through surgical intervention.