Study: Spinal Fusion Results Worse

In a new study, people who got spinal fusion surgery had much poorer health results than those who got other treatments for back pain. The study looked at workers’ compensation records. Everyone had back pain as a result of on-the-job injuries. Researchers randomly selected 725 people who had spinal fusion surgery. They compared this group with 725 people who had treatments such as exercise and physical therapy. Two years after treatment, the spinal fusion group had worse results in every way. About one-quarter had returned to work, compared with two-thirds of the other group. Disability was permanent for 11%, compared with 2% of the non-surgery group. Nearly 85% of those who got surgery were still taking narcotic pain relievers. The rate was 49% for the other group. The surgery group also had far more related medical problems and lost work days.