Episode 153: When is Spinal Fusion Necessary?

Podcast Show Notes: Scoliosis Treatment with Dr. Tony Nalda

Episode Title: When Is Scoliosis Spinal Fusion Necessary?

Episode Summary:

Spinal fusion is one of the most invasive treatment options for scoliosis—and one of the most commonly feared. But when is spinal fusion actually necessary, and what are the alternatives? In this episode of Scoliosis Treatment with Dr. Tony Nalda, we dive into the classifications of scoliosis, the tipping points that lead to a surgery recommendation, and why conservative treatment should be considered long before curves reach surgical thresholds.

Dr. Nalda explains the risks and realities of spinal fusion, and offers a proactive roadmap for patients looking to avoid surgery by reducing their spinal curvature early.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ What Does a Scoliosis Diagnosis Really Mean?

• Defined as a sideways spinal curvature of 10° or more, with rotation.

• Categories:

  • Mild (<25°)

  • Moderate (25–45°)

  • Severe (45°+)

  • Very Severe (80°+)

✅ When Is Spinal Fusion Typically Recommended?

• Adolescents: Usually for curves over 45° with signs of progression.

• Adults: If curve is progressing and causing pain or functional limitations.

• Goal of spinal fusion: Stop progression, not necessarily improve posture or mobility.

✅ What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

• Fuses parts of the spine using rods, screws, and hardware.

• Stops movement in fused areas, aiming to prevent worsening of the curve.

• Sacrifices mobility and flexibility for stability.

• Does not guarantee dramatic curve reduction or cosmetic improvement.

✅ Risks of Spinal Fusion:

• Infection, nerve damage, blood loss, allergic reaction to hardware

• Hardware failure or shifting

• Ongoing back pain, stiffness, and reduced quality of life

• Curve progression can still occur, even after surgery

✅ Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment Options:

• Early intervention = better outcomes

• Includes:

  • Chiropractic care

  • In-office therapy

  • Home-based exercises

  • Corrective bracing

• Goals:

  • Preserve spinal flexibility

  • Reduce the curve

  • Prevent surgery altogether

Key Takeaways:

➡️ Spinal fusion is a last-resort treatment typically reserved for severe, progressive curves.
➡️ Mild and moderate curves can still cause problems and should not be ignored.
➡️ Conservative, proactive care can reduce curves and eliminate the need for surgery.
➡️ At the Scoliosis Reduction Center, we design personalized plans to reduce scoliosis curves and help patients avoid spinal fusion.

Resources & Links:

📘 Free Guide: How to Effectively Treat Scoliosis – Download at scoliosisreductioncenter.com/free
🌐 Learn More – Discover non-surgical scoliosis care at scoliosisreductioncenter.com
📩 Have Questions? – Let us know what topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes by commenting below

Subscribe & Stay Connected:

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell icon to get notified whenever new episodes go live

Thank you for listening to Scoliosis Treatment with Dr. Tony Nalda—your trusted source for conservative scoliosis education and care. 🎧

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS