The spine is meant to move. Spinal fusion does not support the natural movement of the spine, and in fact does the complete opposite. The idea does seem straightforward: stopping movement stops additional damage from occurring. However, the reality is, stopping movement in a spinal segment places greater stress on adjacent segments (above or below the fused areas) of the spinal column, creating more damage in the process.

The number one determining factor whether or not a fusion surgery will deliver the desired reduction in pain is an accurate preoperative diagnosis, meaning a diagnosis that clearly identifies the underlying cause of a patient’s pain. Identifying degeneration of other changes in the spine is not sufficient-the diagnosis needs to identify that those changes in the spine are actually causing the patient’s pain. Many people have a bulging disc, herniated disc, and other issues with their spine, but no pain.

So why are doctors not recommending other options?

The answer is simple. Once a patient goes through with their first spinal fusion surgery, the average spinal fusion patient is worth somewhere between $250,000 and $750,000 in insurance payouts over the patient’s entire lifetime .