Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
When back pain stops you from moving through daily life — whether it’s getting out of bed, walking your dog, or sitting through a workday without wincing — it becomes clear that something has to change. For patients dealing with conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal instability, spinal fusion may be the surgical solution that finally delivers lasting relief. Understanding what this procedure involves, who it helps, and what recovery looks like can make an important decision feel a lot less overwhelming.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we offer spinal fusion at our Mount Laurel location as part of a comprehensive range of spine procedures designed to address the full spectrum of back and neck conditions. Led by Dr. Edward Scheid — a spine surgeon with more than 20 years of experience and over 8,000 successful surgeries — our team brings precision and genuine care to every patient who walks through our door. We treat each case individually, working closely with patients to determine whether surgical intervention is the right path and, if so, which approach will give them the best possible outcome.
What Is Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae together, eliminating the motion between them that is causing pain. As the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes, spinal fusion works essentially as a welding process — guiding the fused vertebrae to heal into a single, solid bone over time. Bone graft material is used to stimulate that healing, and hardware such as screws, rods, or plates may be added to stabilize the spine while fusion occurs.
This procedure is typically recommended when imaging tests like MRI or CT scans confirm a specific structural source of pain that has not responded to conservative treatment. At NeuroSpine Plus, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, which means smaller incisions, less disruption to surrounding muscles, and a faster, more comfortable recovery than traditional open surgery.
Conditions Treated with Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is not a one-size-fits-all procedure, and it is not recommended unless the source of pain is clearly identified. Our team conducts thorough evaluations before recommending surgery, ensuring that every patient’s treatment plan is grounded in accurate diagnosis and thoughtful clinical judgment.
Spinal fusion may be an appropriate treatment option for a number of conditions that affect the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine. Here are some of the most common:
- Degenerative disc disease: when discs between the vertebrae wear down and can no longer absorb movement effectively
- Herniated discs: when disc material pushes outward and places pressure on nerves
- Spondylolisthesis: when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, causing instability and pain
- Spinal stenosis: when narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the nerves running through it
- Spinal instability or fractures: when structural damage prevents the spine from supporting normal movement
This list represents common scenarios — not every condition listed above will necessarily require fusion, as our team evaluates the full picture before recommending surgery. We encourage patients to bring their imaging and prior treatment history to their initial consultation so we can provide the most informed recommendation possible.
Anterior and Posterior Approaches
One of the most important considerations in spinal fusion is the surgical approach — how Dr. Scheid accesses the spine to perform the procedure. Our scope of procedures covers both anterior and posterior techniques, depending on what is most appropriate for each individual case.
Anterior Approach
In an anterior fusion, the spine is accessed from the front of the body. For lumbar fusion, this involves an incision in the lower abdomen; for cervical fusion, the incision is made at the front of the neck. This approach is often chosen when direct access to the intervertebral disc is needed, or when a patient has had previous posterior surgeries. Anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF) is among the most commonly performed procedures at NeuroSpine Plus, particularly for patients with herniated discs or cervical instability.
Posterior Approach
A posterior approach accesses the spine from the back and is the more traditional route for lumbar fusion. Dr. Scheid uses minimally invasive posterior techniques that rely on tubular retractors and specialized instruments, allowing for targeted access with minimal muscle disruption. Recovery times are often significantly shorter than those associated with traditional open posterior surgery.
What to Expect from Recovery
Recovery from spinal fusion varies based on how many levels were fused, the approach used, and a patient’s overall health. That said, most patients are encouraged to get up and move within the first day or two after surgery — early mobilization plays a key role in successful recovery. Light activity and routine walking are typically part of the initial healing plan.
Full fusion — meaning the vertebrae have fully healed into solid bone — generally takes several months. During this period, physical activity is gradually reintroduced, and some patients may be fitted with a brace to support the spine while the fusion develops. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions and stays closely involved throughout the recovery process. We also have access to telemedicine services for patients who face challenges with transportation or mobility, ensuring continuity of care regardless of circumstance.
It’s important to approach the recovery process with realistic expectations. Spinal fusion addresses structural instability and the pain that comes with it — but full recovery is a process, not an event. Patients who follow their post-surgical guidance, attend follow-up appointments, and avoid smoking (which can interfere with bone healing) tend to see the best outcomes.
Spinal Fusion at NeuroSpine Plus in Mount Laurel, NJ
At NeuroSpine Plus, we understand that no two patients arrive at the same place by the same path. Some have tried months of physical therapy and pain management without relief. Others have been told surgery may be necessary and are looking for a second opinion from someone they can trust. No matter where you are in that process, our team is here to walk through it with you. Dr. Scheid’s 20-plus years of experience and 8,000-plus successful surgeries reflect a depth of practice that our Mount Laurel patients can feel confident in.
We accept a wide range of patients — from those with single-level disc issues to more complex cases requiring multi-level fusion — and we take the time to explain every step of the process before moving forward. Our Mount Laurel office is conveniently located at 16000 Commerce Pkwy, Suite B-1, and we also serve patients across our other New Jersey locations in Paramus, Edison, North Bergen, Jersey City, and Hamilton. If you are ready to find out whether spinal fusion is the right solution for your condition, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a consultation with our team today.
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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.