Considering Spinal Fusion Surgery? Why It’s Crucial for Every Patient to Get A Second Opinion
By Dr. Frankel
Chronic back pain can be life-altering, affecting everything from your sleep to your ability to work or enjoy the simplest parts of your day. If you’ve been told you may need spinal fusion surgery, you may be feeling a mix of anxiety, hope, and uncertainty. That’s completely normal. Every year, thousands of Americans undergo spinal fusion surgery—but studies suggest on average, 14% of those could be unnecessary.
As a spine specialist, I’ve had hundreds of conversations with patients who feel overwhelmed by this very decision. While spinal fusion can be transformative for the right patient, it’s also a major, irreversible procedure—and not the best choice for everyone.
That’s why I always encourage patients to seek a second opinion before proceeding with spinal fusion. That can help ensure you are making a fully informed decision for your health, your future, and your peace of mind.
The Pros and Cons of Spinal Fusion: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
Spinal fusion is a well-established surgical option for treating certain spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or deformities like scoliosis. It can relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life for many people.
But it’s also a complex surgery that permanently fuses parts of your spine, limiting motion at the affected segment. In some cases, patients later learn they may have been candidates for less invasive alternatives.
Spinal fusion surgery risks include:
- Bleeding, infection, or nerve injury during surgery
- Hardware failure or nonunion (when the bones don’t successfully fuse)
- Reduced spinal flexibility
- Persistent pain, either at the surgical site or at adjacent levels
- A potential need for future revision surgery
Recovery is also significant. Most patients require a 2–3 day hospital stay, followed by months of healing and physical therapy—often up to 6–12 months. That’s a big commitment, and it deserves serious consideration.
Use of this procedure, as well as success can vary state by state. There are also regional differences in the number of cases, and average overuse rates. New Jersey has an overuse rate of about 14% as determined by the Lown Hospital Index.
Red Flags that Signal the Need for a Second Opinion
At New Jersey Brain and Spine, I often see patients who were told spinal fusion was their only option—when, in fact, other approaches could have been considered first. You may be a strong candidate for less invasive treatments if:
- Your symptoms are mild to moderate
- Your imaging does not show spinal instability or severe deformity
- You haven’t yet tried non-surgical or interventional therapies
Non-surgical alternatives may include:
- Physical therapy or personalized exercise plans
- Anti-inflammatory or nerve-pain medications
- Epidural injections or nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation
- Complementary care like acupuncture
- Lifestyle and posture modifications
Minimally invasive surgical options might involve:
- Disc decompression
- Artificial disc replacement
Dynamic stabilization
If spinal fusion is recommended, your doctor should clearly explain why it’s necessary—and why other options aren’t appropriate. If that clarity isn’t provided, that’s a red flag. Other red flags include:
- Vague or rushed explanations
- Recommendation for multiple-level fusion without thorough discussion
- Feeling pressured to make a quick decision
I’ve had patients who come in for a second opinion tell me they didn’t feel comfortable asking questions in their original consultation, or that things moved too quickly for them to process. If you ever feel rushed or unsure about a recommendation, that’s not a failure on your part. It’s a sign that you deserve more time, better information, and possibly another perspective.
How to Choose the Right Spine Specialist for A Second Opinion — Right Here in Hackensack, New Jersey
Finding the right provider for a second opinion can feel daunting, especially when you’re already dealing with chronic pain. At New Jersey Brain and Spine, we make this process easier.
We’re proud to be ranked among the top 10 neurosurgery practices in the U.S., with fellowship-trained specialists in both surgical and non-surgical spine care. Our team is known not just for excellence in medicine, but also for compassionate, honest communication with every patient we meet.
When you come to us for a second opinion, you’ll speak with a board-certified neurosurgeon who will carefully review your case, discuss your options, and answer every question, without pressure or assumptions. When patients feel heard and understood, they’re more engaged in their recovery and more likely to achieve good outcomes. That personal connection is something we value deeply here.
Key Questions to Ask During a Second Opinion Consultation
These are the types of questions I encourage every patient to ask, not just because they’re thorough, but because they help you understand why a treatment is being recommended and what it means for your future. When patients come in with these questions, I know they’re advocating for themselves, and I welcome that.
- What’s causing my pain or symptoms?
- What did my imaging show?
- Are there signs of spinal instability or nerve compression?
- Are there non-surgical treatments we might consider?
- Is spinal fusion my only surgical option?
- What happens if I don’t have surgery right now?
- What type of spinal fusion are you recommending (e.g., lumbar, cervical, anterior/posterior approach)?
- How many levels will be fused?
- How will this affect my range of motion?
- How often do you perform this surgery and what is your success rate?
- What does “success” look like for this procedure—less pain? Full mobility?
- Could I still have pain even if the fusion is successful?
- What are the chances I’ll need another surgery later?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- What is the expected recovery time?
- Will I need physical therapy? For how long?
- When can I return to work, drive, or exercise?
- What kind of help will I need at home after surgery?
Key Consideration After Receiving A Second Opinion
After your consultation, take time to reflect, not just on what was said, but on how you felt during the conversation. Consider:
- Whether both doctors agreed on the diagnosis and surgical need
- Whether the second surgeon offers less invasive options
- Whether the second surgeon explained the risks, benefits, and alternatives clearly
- Whether you felt heard, respected, and informed
This isn’t just about comparing treatment plans—it’s about choosing the care team you trust to guide you through something important and deeply personal.
Contact New Jersey Brain and Spine for Your Second Opinion
If you’re considering spinal fusion surgery and want a trusted, expert perspective, we’re here for you. At New Jersey Brain and Spine, our goal is to help you find relief—not just through surgery, but through thoughtful, tailored care. Whether that means confirming the need for spinal fusion or exploring alternatives, we will support you every step of the way.
Contact New Jersey Brain and Spine for your second opinion, today.
