Our Summary

This research paper compares the rate of spinal fusion surgery between two groups of people with lower back pain. The first group participated in a digital musculoskeletal (MSK) program, which is a type of online health program for people with bone and muscle problems. The second group did not participate in this program, but received normal healthcare.

The study looked back at medical data from over 100 million people with health insurance. They specifically focused on people who had lower back pain from January 2020 to December 2021. They compared people who had joined the digital MSK program during this time with people who had only received physical therapy for their back pain. The two groups were carefully matched to ensure they were similar in terms of age, other health conditions, and their use of healthcare for musculoskeletal problems prior to the study.

The results showed that people who participated in the digital MSK program were less likely to have spinal fusion surgery within 12 months compared to those who did not participate. This suggests that participating in the digital MSK program can potentially reduce the need for spinal fusion surgery for people with lower back pain.

FAQs

  1. What is a digital musculoskeletal (MSK) program?
  2. How does the rate of spinal fusion surgery differ between those who participated in the digital MSK program and those who only received physical therapy?
  3. Can participating in the digital MSK program potentially reduce the need for spinal fusion surgery for people with lower back pain?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering spinal fusion surgery to explore non-surgical options first, such as physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications, as these interventions can potentially reduce the need for surgery. Additionally, participating in a digital musculoskeletal program like the one mentioned in the research paper may also be beneficial in managing lower back pain and potentially avoiding surgery. It’s important to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal fusion surgery include those with severe lower back pain, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal fractures, scoliosis, or other spinal deformities. These conditions may cause instability in the spine, nerve compression, or significant pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections.

Patients who have exhausted non-surgical treatment options and continue to experience debilitating symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life may be considered candidates for spinal fusion surgery. Additionally, patients who have experienced trauma or injury to the spine that has resulted in instability or deformity may also be recommended for spinal fusion surgery.

It is important for patients to have a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if spinal fusion surgery is the most appropriate treatment option for their specific condition. The decision to undergo spinal fusion surgery should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s symptoms, medical history, imaging studies, and response to conservative treatments.

Timeline

Before spinal fusion surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic lower back pain that does not respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to determine the cause of their back pain.
  3. Patient consults with a spine surgeon to discuss the option of spinal fusion surgery as a treatment for their condition.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  5. Patient receives information about the surgery, including potential risks and benefits, and prepares for the procedure.

After spinal fusion surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to fuse together two or more vertebrae in the spine to stabilize and reduce pain.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover from the surgery and start physical therapy.
  3. Patient continues physical therapy and rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve mobility.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and work, following the guidance of their healthcare team.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is spinal fusion surgery and how does it work?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal fusion surgery?
  3. How do I know if I am a candidate for spinal fusion surgery?
  4. Are there alternative treatments or therapies that I can try before considering spinal fusion surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of spinal fusion surgery for people with lower back pain?
  6. How long is the recovery process after spinal fusion surgery?
  7. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  8. How long do the effects of spinal fusion surgery typically last?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to prevent future back problems?
  10. How can participating in a digital musculoskeletal program potentially reduce the need for spinal fusion surgery?

Reference

Authors: Yadav S, Gold LS, Zaidi QH, Hwang R, Lu L, Wang G. Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Jul 5;25(1):520. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07573-0. PMID: 38970032