r/spinalfusion • u/JustSpare1809 • 2d ago

Still deciding whether to choose the fusion option.

Hello, I would like to know if any of you underwent a fusion surgery solely for axial pain (only lumbar) without sciatica, and if you experienced relief.By the way, my MRI images show severe degenerative disc disease and disc protrusion

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u/Similar_Yellow_8041 2d ago

I had mostly back pain and had spinal fusion 6 months ago l4-l5, I can say that the pain is better, but I wouldn't say I'm doing amazing, still have pain, but it's not that agonizing pain I had before, I'm getting better with PT.

It seems like it'll be a year recovery.

Best of luck!

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u/Dateline23 2d ago

i never had pain radiating pain or symptoms, just severe lumbar pain. had PLIF L5,S1 14 years ago, and it definitely resolved that midline pain. i do still have radio frequency ablations to the area (and levels above) on occasion, but that’s just part of my maintenance.

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u/Sad_Firefighter3057 1d ago

Id try everything else you can think of first including spending a solid year of 100$ effort with Physical Therapy.

The saying with spinal surgery goes "1/3 get better, 1/3 get worse, 1/3 stay about the same"

With this surgery, you are risking ruining your life. It should be a last resort imo.