Spine surgery patient gets fast relief after years of severe neck pain

Loyola University. US: After suffering years of severe neck pain, Debbie Yuss, RN, decided to see Loyola University Medical Center spine surgeon Alexander Ghanayem, MD.
As a worker’s compensation case manager, Ms. Yuss had seen firsthand the results Dr. Ghanayem achieves in treating spinal problems.
“I knew just how good he is,” she said.
Dr. Ghanayem performed a two-level spinal fusion at the base of Ms. Yuss’ neck. “I went home the next morning, and felt absolutely great,” she said.

Spinal fusion

Mayo Clinic. US: Spinal fusion is surgery to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them.
Spinal fusion involves techniques designed to mimic the normal healing process of broken bones. During spinal fusion, your surgeon places bone or a bone-like material within the space between two spinal vertebrae. Metal plates, screws and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together, so they can heal into one solid unit.
Because spinal fusion surgery immobilizes parts of your spine, it changes the way your spine can move. This places additional stress and strain on the vertebrae above and below the fused portion, and may increase the rate at which those areas of your spine degenerate.