Search the site for providers, locations, and content.
Main Menu
Treatment
If you're feeling anxious about your upcoming spine surgery, that's understandable. After all, you don't
If you're feeling anxious about your upcoming spine surgery, that's understandable. After all, you don'thave surgery every day.To help ease your mind, focus on this: surgery will relieve pain and other symptoms related to yourcondition, so you can get back to enjoying life. Now, that's worth a fist pump.Knowing what to expect with a surgery can also help you feel less anxious and better prepared. Hereare the facts behind some common concerns about spinal fusion.How will I feel after surgery? You'll likely have some pain after surgery. How much is hard to predict.Everyone is different.The good news, any discomfort will get better over time and your care team is well equipped to helpyou manage it. Pain control options have come a long way over the years. Talk with your healthcareprovider beforehand about the best ways to ease your pain.How long will recovery take? No doubt about it, your body will need time to heal. How long dependson many things including your overall health and fitness level before surgery.Over the next several months, you'll likely have to limit some activities and you'll need to keep yourspine in good alignment as you go about your day. Your care team will show you how. To help speedthings up, stick with your recovery plan including the physical therapy.What about the risks of surgery? All surgeries have some risks like the chance for an infection, ablood clot or problems with anesthesia. Added risks with spinal fusion include nerve damage andproblems using the bathroom.These can certainly way on your mind, but remember, your care team has done lots of thesesurgeries and knows exactly how to keep you safe and healthy. You can do your part too by followingall pre and post surgery instructions and if you have any questions, ask away.The bottom line? Spinal fusion has helped many people live better, more active lives with less pain.This is your opportunity to join them.Still have questions or concerns? Your care team is here to help. Get in touch to learn more aboutwhat you can do to make your surgery a success.© 2025 WebMD Ignite
Featured in
Orthopedics Center
Watch this video to learn about total knee replacement surgery.
Watch this video to learn about total shoulder replacement surgery.
Watch this video to learn the benefits and risks of having herniated disc surgery.
Watch this video to understand how a discectomy is done and how to prepare for the surgery.
