Understanding Adjacent Segment Disease (ASD) After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Understanding Adjacent Segment Disease (ASD) After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Adjacent Segment Disease (ASD) is a condition that can develop following spinal fusion surgery, where the fused segment's lack of motion places additional stress on the adjacent vertebrae. This increased stress can lead to accelerated degeneration of the neighboring discs and joints, potentially causing symptoms such as radiculopathy, myelopathy, or spinal instability. ​

Risks Associated with Spinal Fusion Surgery

While spinal fusion aims to alleviate pain by stabilizing the spine, it carries inherent risks, including:​

• Development of ASD: Approximately 25% of patients who undergo spinal fusion may develop ASD within five years post-surgery. ​

• Surgical Complications: Potential issues such as infections, hardware failure, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.​

• Limited Mobility: Fusion restricts movement at the operated segment, which may affect overall spinal flexibility.​

Non-Surgical Alternatives at Triangle Spinal Decompression

Before considering surgical intervention, exploring non-surgical treatments is advisable. At Triangle Spinal Decompression in Cary, NC, Dr. Parker Neill and Dr. Abigail Swank specialize in non-invasive spinal decompression therapy. This approach aims to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves, promoting natural healing and potentially reducing the need for surgery.​

Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy

• Pain Reduction: Alleviates discomfort associated with herniated or bulging discs.​

• Enhanced Mobility: Improves range of motion without surgical intervention.​

• Safety and Affordability: Offers a cost-effective and low-risk alternative to surgery.​

Consultation and Treatment

If you're experiencing back pain or have been advised to undergo spinal fusion, consider consulting with the experts at Triangle Spinal Decompression. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you achieve optimal spinal health without the need for invasive procedures.​

Visit us at 3750 NW Cary Pkwy, Suite 105, Cary, NC 27513, call 919-469-8897, or reach out through our contact page at triangledecompression.com/contact to schedule your consultation today!