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Fusing vertebrae in the lumbar spine may help ease lower back and leg pain. Anterior lumbar fusion is done through an incision in your stomach area. Depending on how many vertebrae are fused, the surgery may take from 3 to 8 hours.

Fusing vertebrae in the lumbar curve spine may help ease lower back and leg pain. Posterior lumbar fusion is done through an incision in your back. The graft is put between the vertebrae in one of two places: in the disk space or between the transverse processes.

If you’ve had neck surgery, follow the guidelines below and any other directions you’ve been given.

Learn about the spine with these helpful detailed illustrations.

The symptoms in your back or leg may be due to pressure on a nerve. This pressure may be caused by a damaged disk or abnormal bone growth. Either way, you may feel pain, burning, tingling, or numbness. If you have pressure on a nerve that connects to the sciatic nerve, pain may shoot down your leg.

After laminectomy or laminotomy. your health care team will help you control pain, get up and move, and keep your lungs clear.

You have a problem disk in your lower back. This disk problem may be corrected with a diskectomy. This is the surgical removal of a part of a disk. There are three types of diskectomy. Each has risks and benefits. Your surgeon will advise the type that's best for your back and your health.

Cervical spine problems can often be treated without surgery. Choices may include rest, medicines, or injections. Your doctor may also suggest certain exercises. All these treatments may help to ease your symptoms and are often successful.

You can help make your surgery a success by preparing for it mentally and physically. This preparation includes planning ahead for your surgery, having realistic expectations about what surgery can do for you, and following your doctor's instructions.