Research forum provides up to date opinions on some of the most recent research in back and neck pain management.  Remember to check this site regularly for monthly updates.

Latest Research on Spinal Fusion

• Stabilisation Surgery for Chronic Low Back Pain: Indications, Surgical Procedures and Outcome
  Scand J Rheumatol,
  pg 210-217 issue 33

Reviewers opinion

Spinal fusion appears to provide a meaningful improvement for a number of people with longstanding mechanical low back pain. This paper provides sufficient details to be able to develop a profile for those patients who would benefit from the procedure.

Post fusion rehabilitation is an area that has been hotly debated over the last ten years. It would appear that intensive active exercise may not be the most effective strategy. Instead, the most appropriate intervention would seem to be to provide a supportive environment in which a patient can be progressed through an array of activities so that they gain confidence in returning to their routine household and work tasks. Cognitive training to address such issues as fear avoidance and motivation also appear to be beneficial and supports the concept of a holistic approach to rehabilitation.