Spinal fusion is surgery to join two or more vertebrae into one single structure. The goal is to stop movement between the two bones and prevent back pain. Once they’re fused, they no longer move like they used to. This keeps you from stretching nearby nerves, ligaments, and muscles that may have caused discomfort.

Why You Need This Surgery If medicines, physical therapy, and other treatments (like steroid injections) haven't helped your back pain, this surgery might be an option. Doctors usually only recommend it if they know exactly what's causing the problem. Spinal fusion might help you feel better if your back pain is caused by: Degenerative disk disease (the space between disks narrows; sometimes they rub together spaces)

Fracture (broken spinal bone)

Scoliosis -- your spine curves abnormally to one side

Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

Spondylolisthesis (forward shifting of a spinal disk)

Tumors or spine infection

How to Prepare The week before your surgery, you may have some blood tests and spinal X-rays if you haven't had any recently. Your health care team will go over the details of your procedure. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Your surgeon wants you to be prepared. Here are some things to think about in the days prior to your surgery: Know when to arrive at the surgery center. You’ll need someone to drive you and take you home.

Get a list of the medicines you can or can’t take in the days before surgery. Some drugs, like aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, may be unsafe. Never stop taking any medicines without your doctor's OK.

Find out if you can eat or drink anything before your procedure.

Get your home ready. You’ll need raised toilet seats, shower chairs, slip-on shoes, reachers, and other aids.