The Dangers Of Spinal Fusion Surgery
What is spinal fusion surgery and why is it dangerous? As with many surgeries, spinal fusion surgery comes with many consequences. In this video, Dr. Brad Wolf explains what spinal fusion surgery is, and why it should only be considered as a last resort.
The spine consists of 24 moveable bones (vertebrae) that are joined together by discs that lie between the bones. These discs allow the spine to move and bend.
There is a degenerative process that happens in our spine as we age and partake in different activities throughout our life. This has an impact on how well our bodies function. If the spine goes through this degenerative process at a quicker rate than normal, due to accidents and injuries, bad posture and poor lifestyle choices, these larger spinal damages can result in requiring spinal fusion surgery as the spine degenerates over time.
When spinal fusion surgery is performed, the disc between the damaged spine is taken out, and the bones are then fused together and secured by a metal rod and screws. As you can imagine, fusing the bones together decreases the mobility of the spine. Spinal fusion surgery reduces potential future treatment options, once performed, and must be managed for the rest of your life. Spinal fusion surgery is permanent.
There are things you can do now, to help preserve your spine and prevent you from spinal fusion surgery in the future. By being aware of what is causing wear-and-tear on your spine and discs, you can reduce the degeneration and begin to reestablish the proper mechanics of your spine.
Watch this video to learn more about the dangers of spinal fusion surgery, and what you can do to prevent having it down the road!
About the author, Dr. Brad Wolf
My childhood—starting at 3—was clouded by illness. I was often sick, afflicted by asthma, allergies and overall immune weakness. Simply living and breathing wasn’t as easy as it should have been and I didn’t understand how I was supposed to change it.
I played soccer and would find myself gasping for air during practice. Spring and fall were by far the worst. I got allergy shots, used an inhaler and when things were really serious, I needed a shot of adrenaline in the ER to open up my lungs again. All I knew back then was that I had to find a better way.
When I left for college at 18, I started searching for answers. I looked for remedies everywhere I could. I dove into Tai Chi and started learning yoga and meditation. I received acupuncture and learned about herbs.
I studied Ayurvedic medicine and sought help from doctors, therapists and healers. I enjoyed regular massage and eventually became a licensed bodyworker.But what left the most enduring effects on my life was my first visit to the chiropractor. I knew nothing about chiropractic.
My initial visit was based purely on curiosity when a friend of mine asked if I wanted to meet her friends who were chiropractors. After that day, I started receiving regular chiropractic adjustments and my immune system started getting stronger.
Colds, flu and allergies that would have previously taken me weeks to get over, now worked its way out of my system in a day or two…sometimes even within a couple hours. Because of this dramatic shift in my recovery, I continued chiropractic care for many years before completing my Chiropractic degree in December 1996 from Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, Missouri.
Words cannot describe how deeply I care about the future health of people in this country and around the world. We all can learn to preserve our bodies and well-being without the use of drugs or surgery.
At a time when obesity is at an all-time high, when overly-processed foods are too readily available, when the masses are quick to medicate, as doctors continue to kick problems down the road, there must be a fundamental shift to a better way.
I’ve dedicated my life to helping Transform World Health. To find the best ways of living healthy and aging better and sharing them with you. Chiropractic is immensely important towards helping you live a healthy vibrant life. I’ve helped tens of thousands of people live healthier, avoid spinal surgery and get back to living.
Patients who had been suffering from extreme spinal injuries like herniated and bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and discogenic pain are now living pain-free. They can feel good in their own bodies again.
What about you? Do YOU feel good in your own body? It’s never too late to take control of your own health. To start aging better. To live pain-free. Why wait one more day? Start living as the best version of you!
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