Spinal Fusion: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Spinal Fusion?
A spine surgeon performs spinal fusion. This is often an orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint surgeon, or a neurosurgeon, a surgeon who treats the nerves and spine. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Spinal fusion is surgery to permanently join two or more bones in the spine so there is no movement between them. These bones are called vertebrae. The aim is for the bones to heal into one solid bone. Some fusions can be done with smaller cuts.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Fusion is done to stop painful motion or to make the spine more stable. It is usually recommended only when your doctor can pinpoint the source of your pain. Spinal fusion may be done if you have:
- spondylolisthesis, a condition in which one vertebra slips forward on top of another
- abnormal curves in the spine, such as from scoliosis
- arthritis in the spine, such as spinal stenosis
How to prepare
Common steps before surgery include the following.
- If you smoke, cut back or quit, because smoking can slow healing.
- You may be asked to stop blood thinners, medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot, for a short time.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines to keep taking on the day of surgery.
What happens during it
You are given general anesthesia, which puts you in a deep sleep so you feel no pain. The surgeon uses a graft, such as bone, to hold the bones together permanently. The graft may come from another part of your body, usually around your pelvic bone. It may also come from a bone bank, which has bone from other people that is cleaned and preserved. The vertebrae may also be fixed together with rods, screws, plates, or cages until the bone grafts are fully healed.
Recovery
You may stay in the hospital for up to 3 to 4 days. When you leave, you may need to wear a back brace or cast. It may be several months before the bone is solid, although your comfort will often improve much sooner. Signs of infection include redness, tenderness, and swelling around the wound edges. A temperature usually above 101°F taken by mouth is also a sign. Signs of a blood clot include swelling in the calf, ankle, or foot, or pain in the calf. If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have numbness in your private area or lose control of your bowel or bladder. This can be cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting or loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
As with any surgery, there are risks. Your surgeon can go over each one with you. They include the following.
- Infection in the wound or the vertebral bones
- Blood clots in the legs, which are dangerous if they break off and travel to the lungs
- Damage to a spinal nerve, causing weakness, pain, loss of feeling, or problems with your bowels or bladder
Pseudarthrosis means there is not enough bone formation to create a solid fusion. Smokers are more likely to develop it. Other causes include diabetes and older age. If it occurs, a second surgery may be needed.
Who performs it
A spine surgeon performs spinal fusion, often an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon.
Common questions
Will spinal fusion limit how my spine moves?
It will take away some flexibility, but most spinal fusions do not significantly limit motion.
Will spinal fusion take away all of my pain?
Probably not, because spinal fusion is unlikely to take away all your pain and other symptoms.
Can fusion cause problems in other parts of the spine?
Yes, future spine problems are possible after spine surgery. The fused area can no longer move, so the spine above and below it is more likely to be stressed when the spine moves.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Spinal fusion
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Spinal Fusion
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
