Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
Chronic back or neck pain can quietly take over your life. It limits the activities you love, disrupts your sleep, and can leave you feeling like you’ve exhausted every option available. For patients dealing with conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal instability, spinal fusion offers a path forward when other treatments have not provided lasting relief. The procedure works by joining two or more vertebrae together so they heal into a single, solid bone, eliminating painful motion and restoring stability to the spine.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we understand that deciding on spine surgery is never a simple choice. That’s why we are committed to walking each patient through every stage of the process with clear guidance and compassionate care. Led by Dr. Edward Scheid, whose career includes over 20 years of experience and more than 8,000 successful surgeries, our team brings a level of surgical precision and patient focus that makes a real difference. Our Jersey City location at 550 Newark Avenue makes our procedures easily accessible to patients throughout Hudson County and the greater New Jersey area.
What Spinal Fusion Treats
Spinal fusion is recommended when the source of pain has been clearly identified and conservative treatments have not delivered adequate relief.
Conditions That May Qualify
Several spine conditions are commonly addressed through fusion surgery. Each patient is evaluated individually to determine whether this approach is the right fit based on their imaging, symptoms, and medical history. Common conditions that may be treated include:
- Degenerative disc disease: Worn discs that cause pain with movement and reduce spinal support
- Herniated discs: Discs that have pushed out of position and are compressing nearby nerves
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the one below it
- Spinal instability: Excessive movement between vertebrae often caused by injury or arthritis
These diagnoses are confirmed through advanced imaging, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI studies, before any surgical recommendation is made.
When Surgery Becomes the Right Option
Many patients come to us having already tried physical therapy, medication, and other conservative treatments. While we always encourage exploring non-surgical options first, there are situations where spinal fusion is the most effective long-term solution. If your spine condition is causing persistent neurological symptoms, significant loss of function, or worsening instability, it may be time to have a direct conversation about surgical intervention.
How Spinal Fusion Works
Spinal fusion surgery involves the placement of bone graft material between two or more vertebrae to encourage them to grow together as a single unit. In many cases, the surgeon also uses plates, rods, and screws to hold the affected vertebrae stable while the fusion heals. This internal fixation allows patients to move more comfortably in the early recovery phase.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques whenever clinically appropriate. Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialized instruments to access the spine through small incisions, rather than the longer incisions required in traditional open surgery. These smaller incisions typically mean less disruption to surrounding muscle tissue, reduced blood loss, and a shorter recovery timeline for our patients.
Dr. Scheid performs both anterior and posterior approaches to spinal fusion depending on the location and nature of the problem being treated. Whether the issue is in the cervical (neck) region or the lumbar (lower back) region, we use the approach that provides the best access to the affected area while minimizing impact on surrounding structures.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from spinal fusion is a gradual process, and every patient’s timeline will differ depending on the number of vertebral levels fused, their overall health, and how closely they follow post-operative care instructions. Most patients begin walking with assistance within one to two days after surgery.
In the weeks following the procedure, patients are typically advised to avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activities while the fusion heals. We work closely with each patient and their support team to create a realistic recovery plan. Though we do not offer physical therapy in-house, we provide guidance on appropriate rehabilitation and support to help patients regain strength, mobility, and quality of life. For more insight into the recovery process, our blog covers what to expect after spine surgery in depth.
Choose NeuroSpine Plus for Spinal Fusion in Jersey City
When it comes to something as significant as spine surgery, the team behind your care matters. At NeuroSpine Plus, we combine Dr. Scheid’s 20-plus years of surgical experience and 8,000-plus successful procedures with a practice philosophy built around minimally invasive techniques and individualized treatment. We serve patients from a wide range of backgrounds, from those dealing with minor disc issues to complex cases requiring surgical correction, and we take the time to ensure each patient fully understands their options before any decision is made.
Our Jersey City office is one of six convenient locations across New Jersey, making it easier for patients throughout the region to access high-quality spine care without unnecessary travel. To learn more about our team and our approach to patient care, visit our about us page. If you are ready to explore whether spinal fusion is the right step for you, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: May 1, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.