Spinal fusion treatments may not be the best solution

Spinal fusions are performed on more than 150,000 individuals each year. Many United States residents seek this treatment for diseases or traumatic injuries, but experts explain this method of treatment should be used only as a last resort.

Dr. Light explains the number of spinal fusions each year is staggering and should not be this high.

In fact, Dr. Light developed a spinal fusion reversal, and the treatment itself has been found to provide pain relief to patients who may have underwent spinal fusion surgeries.

Spinal fusion treatments have been used to prevent additional injury to a specific area by fusing part of the spine.

Although potentially pain relieving, spinal fusion procedures carry many potential negatives as well, including decreases in range of motion and long-term pain.

Spinal fusions as a treatment should not be entirely written off, however. The method is very effective as a last resort.

Experts suggest that with the variety of other treatment options now, the 150,000 patients receiving fusion treatments each year has a potential to be drastically decreased.

Dr. Light hopes more surgeons may realize the potential benefits of additional therapy options in the future.