Spinal Fusion in Chicago, IL

Light activity typically resumes within a few weeks, but the fusion itself takes months to become solid. Full recovery commonly takes six months to a year, depending on the size of the surgery and your overall health.

The fused level no longer moves, but for one- or two-level fusions most people notice little change in everyday movement. Larger fusions have more noticeable effects, which your surgeon should discuss beforehand.

Depending on the diagnosis, alternatives may include physical therapy, injections, decompression-only surgery such as laminectomy or microdiscectomy, or artificial disc replacement in select cases. Fusion is typically reserved for instability or deformity that other options cannot address.