The term "fusion" can be very scary for a patient facing a neck or back surgery. While perhaps spinal fusion surgery is overprescribed, the truth that it sort of gets a bad rap. As explained in this video, when performed by a skilled surgeon, it can be very beneficial in alleviating pain and help restore a patient's normal function. As always, it's never a bad idea to get a second or even third opinion when told that neck or back surgery is the only option.