My doctor is recommending spinal fusion for stenosis and instability, is he right?

0:00 - Spinal fusion is a big step. How to know if your doctor's recommendation is correct. 00:32 - Neurogenic claudication is pain or heaviness down the legs with walking due to spinal narrowing (stenosis) 00:44 - Sciatica is pain in the legs due to compression of a nerve root, usually by a herniated disc. 01:45 - Neurogenic claudication is not typically associated with numbness or weakness. 03:08 - Urinary retention or frequency is the usual first sign of a neurogenic bladder due to spinal stenosis. 05:47 - MRI of the spine without contrast shows spinals stenosis. 06:38 - Interspinous ligament sprains are also a common cause of back pain after injury. 07:26 - The only definitive treatment for spinal stenosis is laminectomy surgery. 08:19 - Laminectomy should only be done using a minimally invasive approach. 09:07 - Spinal instability is demonstrated by flexion and extension x-rays. 10:16 - TLIF stands for trans foraminal interbody fusion. 11:15 – The FORAMEN is the name of the bony channel through which a nerve root exits the spine. 12:05 - Foraminal encroachment by a nerve root causes a radiculopathy (disorder of a nerve root). 14:15 - Neurogenic bladders are smaller than normal and never fully fill up leading to frequent emptying. 14:47- Paralysis is not a real risk of lower lumbar surgery. Nerve root damage and foot drop are more common. 15:34 - Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition that leads to neurological damage if left untreated. 17:35 - Low back pain is different than neurogenic claudication but it’s common to have both conditions at the same time. 18:39 - Most patients report increased range of motion after fusion surgery due to an open spinal canal. 19:54 - Spondylolisthesis is an abnormal translation of one spinal bone on another as distinct from spondylosis (arthritis) as well as spinal instability. 22:38 - Walk 10 min for exercise per day per week after spinal surgery.