I had a lumbar spinal fusion from L3 to L5. The X-ray shows that one side took better than the other. I don't feel any different from one side to the other. Should I?

Many studies show that results of imaging tests often have little to do with patient symptoms and/or function. In the case of surgical fusion, successful clinical results are seen even when the X-ray suggests an unstable, unfused spine. And the opposite is also possible. In other words, a patient can have a normal appearing X-ray but suffer from significant back pain and disability.

Experts agree that knowing how solid a spinal fusion mass really is -- is a difficult problem. The only way to know for sure is to surgically open the site and look at the state of the fused spine. The X-ray is only a two-dimensional black and white representation of what's really present.

It may not be necessary to do anything more for you. Even with only one side fused, many patients are evidently stable enough and symptom-free to get back to their previous level of activities in a safe and pain free manner.