What is Adjacent Segment Disease after Spine Surgery?

What is Adjacent Segment Disease After Spine Surgery?

Adjacent segment disease is a spinal condition that occurs when segments next to a spinal fusion deteriorate over time, often causing new pain, stiffness, or nerve symptoms—but many cases can be managed without additional surgery.

Spinal fusion surgery is commonly recommended for individuals dealing with chronic back pain, spinal instability, or severe disc degeneration. While the procedure can effectively relieve symptoms by fusing two or more vertebrae to limit painful motion, a potential long-term complication—Adjacent Segment Disease (ASD)—may arise. At Triangle Spinal Decompression, we help patients understand and manage ASD through non-surgical, drug-free treatment options in Cary, NC.

Understanding Adjacent Segment Disease (ASD)

Adjacent Segment Disease refers to the degeneration of spinal discs and joints located immediately above or below a previously fused spinal segment. When one segment of the spine becomes immobilized by fusion, the motion and mechanical stress are transferred to the segments next to it. Over time, this shift in load and movement can accelerate wear and tear, resulting in pain and functional problems in areas that were once healthy.

Common Conditions Associated with ASD:

• Herniated Discs

• Spinal Stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Facet Joint Arthritis

These conditions can emerge months or even years after a spinal fusion procedure and may significantly affect quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development of Adjacent Segment Disease:

🔹 Altered Spinal Biomechanics

Fusion limits mobility at one level, which increases strain on neighboring motion segments.

🔹 Natural Degeneration

As we age, our spinal discs lose hydration and flexibility, making them more prone to stress-related damage.

🔹 Surgical Technique

The number of segments fused and whether instrumentation (such as rods or screws) is used can affect stress distribution.

🔹 Pre-Existing Spinal Conditions

Patients with conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, or poor posture are more susceptible to rapid degeneration in adjacent segments.

Signs and Symptoms of Adjacent Segment Disease

ASD symptoms can mirror those of the original spinal problem that required surgery. These may include:

• Persistent Back or Neck Pain near the original fusion site

• Radiating Pain into the arms or legs (radiculopathy)

• Decreased Range of Motion or flexibility

• Numbness, Tingling, or Muscle Weakness in extremities

• Balance or Coordination Issues in advanced cases

If you're experiencing these symptoms after spine surgery, it's important to evaluate whether ASD could be the cause.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Adjacent Segment Disease

While some patients may require revision surgery in severe cases, many find lasting relief through non-surgical therapies that target the underlying biomechanics of ASD. At Triangle Spinal Decompression in Cary, NC, we offer personalized care that avoids further invasive procedures.

1. Spinal Decompression Therapy

This non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment gently stretches the spine to reduce pressure on discs and nerves, improve circulation, and promote healing in degenerated segments. Learn more here:🔗 https://www.triangledecompression.com/spinal-decompression

2. Physical Therapy and Exercise

Custom rehab programs help strengthen surrounding muscles, restore mobility, and slow further degeneration.

3. Cold Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy can reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair in affected areas.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

Improving posture, losing excess weight, and avoiding repetitive spinal stress can slow or prevent ASD progression.

5. Pain Management

Non-opioid medications or occasional corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce discomfort during healing phases.

How to Prevent Adjacent Segment Disease

While not always avoidable, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of developing ASD:

• Choose Motion-Preserving Surgeries when appropriate (e.g., artificial disc replacement instead of fusion)

• Stay Active with core-strengthening exercises

• Avoid Smoking, which accelerates disc degeneration

• Have Regular Spinal Assessments to catch early degeneration before it worsens

Expert Non-Surgical Care for ASD in Cary, NC

If you’ve had spinal fusion and are now experiencing new or recurring back pain, don’t assume more surgery is your only option. At Triangle Spinal Decompression, Dr. Abbie Swank and Dr. Parker Neill specialize in non-invasive treatments that address the root causes of Adjacent Segment Disease without relying on drugs or additional surgical intervention.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward natural relief.

📞 Call 919-469-8897 or visit our contact page:🔗 https://www.triangledecompression.com/contact

Conclusion

Adjacent Segment Disease is a common but manageable complication of spinal fusion. With the right care—including spinal decompression therapy and tailored rehabilitation—you can avoid another surgery and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Contact our experienced team at Triangle Spinal Decompression to explore your non-surgical options today. is made up of motion segments; basically, one intervertebral disc & the vertebrae above & below the disc. Motion segments work together to absorb & distribute forces during activity & at rest; like the links in a chain or hinges on a door. If one of those links or hinges is artificially attached to an adjacent link it changes the way the whole chain moves.

Similarly, when one or more motion segments in the spine is fused & no longer moves, the motion segments above & below the spinal fusion compensate for lost motion at the fused level(s). As the adjacent segments’ mobility increases, they take on additional stress; this accelerated wear & tear may lead to adjacent segment disease

.

Avoid the risks & complications of adjacent segment disease after spine surgery. At Triangle Spinal Decompression; we help patients avoid surgery with safe, affordable & effective treatment. Talk with Dr Swank or Dr Neill at 919-469-8897.